In people with heart disease, having a body mass index around 27 is linked to the lowest chance of dying from any cause, while both lower and higher BMIs are associated with higher risks.

Scientific Claim

Body mass index exhibits a U-shaped association with all-cause mortality risk in patients with coronary artery disease, with the lowest risk observed at approximately 27 kg/m².

Original Statement

“U-shaped relationships were found for BMI and mortality risk, with the lowest risk for overweight patients (BMI ∼27 kg/m2).”

From study:Association of body mass index and waist circumference with long-term mortality risk in 10,370 coronary patients and potential modification by lifestyle and health determinants

Evidence Quality Assessment

Claim Status

appropriately stated

Study Design Support

Design supports claim

Appropriate Language Strength

association

Can only show association/correlation

Assessment Explanation

The study is observational, so causal language is inappropriate; 'associated with' correctly reflects the correlational nature of the findings.

Evidence from Studies

Supporting (1)

Association of body mass index and waist circumference with long-term mortality risk in 10,370 coronary patients and potential modification by lifestyle and health determinants

Cohort Study

Human

2024

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Association of body mass index and waist circumference with long-term mortality risk in 10,370 coronary patients and potential modification by lifestyle and health determinants

Score: 59

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303329

Similar Assertions

The pattern where both very low and very high body mass index increase death risk in heart disease patients holds true regardless of whether they smoke, are physically active, or have different education levels.

82%

People with heart disease who are obese (BMI 30 or higher) have a 23% higher chance of dying from any cause compared to those who are overweight (BMI 25-30).

75%