Obesity, cardiovascular risk, and lifestyle: cross-sectional and prospective analyses in a nationwide Spanish cohort

Abstract Aims To assess whether overweight and obesity are independently associated with cardiometabolic health [as categorized based on the presence/absence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia, or hypertension)], and the role of lifestyle on this association. Methods and results A nationwide cohort of Spanish adults (18–64 years) was studied using a cross-sectional design and prospective observational design. Lifestyle-related factors (physical activity, sleeping characteristics, alcohol drinking, and smoking) were registered, and participants were classified as having an ‘unhealthy’ or ‘healthy’ cardiometabolic status attending to the presence or absence, respectively, of ≥1 CVD risk factor. A number of 596 111 participants (44 ± 9 years, 67% male) were studied at baseline, with prospective analyses in a subcohort [n = 302 061; median follow-up, 2 years (range, 2 to 5)]. Compared to normal weight, overweight and obesity were associated with a higher prevalence [odds ratio, 1.67 (95% confidence interval, 1.61–1.67) and 2.70 (2.69–2.78), respectively] and incidence [1.62 (1.59–1.67) and 2.70 (2.63–2.78)] of an unhealthy cardiometabolic status. Meeting physical activity guidelines reduced the odds of an unhealthy cardiometabolic status at baseline [0.87 (0.85–0.88)] among individuals with overweight/obesity, as well as of transitioning from a healthy status to an unhealthy status during the follow-up [0.87 (0.84–0.94)]. No significant associations were found for the remainder of lifestyle factors. Conclusion Overweight and obesity are independently associated with an unhealthy cardiometabolic status. Regular physical activity attenuates not only the prevalence but also the incidence of CVD risk factors.