Researchers from the Karolinska Institute have identified an intriguing pattern: individuals who are genetically prone to higher body weight may face a lower chance of cardiovascular disease than those who gain weight primarily through lifestyle factors. This finding appears in the journal eClinical Medicine.
The study notes that in general, a high body mass index in midlife is linked to a greater risk of cardiovascular and other health issues. The new work adds nuance by showing that the risk linked to obesity can differ markedly among people, depending on the origin of the weight gain.
To explore this, the team analyzed data from more than 15,000 twins drawn from the Swedish Twin Registry. They found that the connection between obesity and cardiovascular disease was approximately twice as strong for individuals with a genetic tendency toward a lower BMI compared with those who carry obesity primarily due to genetic factors that promote higher weight.
The researchers emphasize that any person who is overweight or obese faces a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than someone at a healthy weight. Yet the findings imply that obesity driven mainly by genetic influences might not carry the same negative health effects as obesity stemming from non genetic causes, underscoring a complex interplay between biology and lifestyle.
These results contribute to a broader conversation about personalized health risk. They suggest that genetic background can shape how weight relates to heart health, and they highlight the value of considering both inherited factors and behavioral choices when assessing cardiovascular risk. The study reminds clinicians and the public that maintaining a healthy weight remains important for most individuals, while also pointing to the need for nuanced guidance that reflects individual genetic profiles and life circumstances. Ongoing research will help clarify how these insights translate into practical recommendations for prevention and care.