Excess Weight Over Time Linked to Higher Heart Risks in Younger Adults

New study finds long-term exposure to obesity is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular disease than BMI at a single point.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:03am

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A ghostly, glowing X-ray image of a human heart, its intricate internal structures visible against a dark background, conveying the cardiovascular impacts of long-term excess weight.A revealing X-ray view of the heart highlights the long-term cardiovascular risks associated with prolonged obesity, especially for younger adults.Boston Today

Researchers from Mass General Brigham found that long-term exposure to excess weight is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular risk than body mass index (BMI) at a single point in time, with the effect strongest in younger people. The study analyzed data from over 136,000 participants and showed that those with the highest cumulative exposure to excess weight had a significantly higher risk of heart attack or stroke, especially for women under 35 and men under 65.

Why it matters

This research suggests that losing weight and decreasing excess weight exposure over time may help decrease a person's cardiovascular risk, providing an important impetus for patients and clinicians to address long-term weight management as a key factor in heart health.

The details

The study looked at data from the Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, analyzing participants with a baseline BMI over 25 kg/m2 between 1990 and 2000. Researchers calculated each participant's cumulative exposure to excess weight over a 10-year period by averaging their BMI measurements. They then followed the participants' cardiovascular health for an average of 16.7 years, during which 12,048 experienced heart attacks or strokes.

  • The study began collecting data in 1990.
  • Researchers calculated participants' cumulative excess weight exposure from 1990 to 2000.
  • Participants' cardiovascular health was followed from 2000 to an average of 16.7 years later.

The players

Alexander Turchin

Corresponding author of the study and a physician in the Division of Endocrinology at Mass General Brigham.

Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study

Large, long-term studies that provided the data analyzed in this research.

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What they’re saying

“Excess weight at any given point in time is not a life sentence. What happens to someone's weight over long periods of time matters more for heart health. Our study suggests that if a person lowers their weight, their health outcomes can improve.”

— Alexander Turchin, Physician, Mass General Brigham

“These findings should give patients and their clinicians an impetus to address excess weight to improve their long-term health.”

— Alexander Turchin, Physician, Mass General Brigham

What’s next

Researchers plan to further investigate the long-term cardiovascular impacts of weight fluctuations and explore how weight loss interventions may help reduce heart disease risk, especially for younger adults.

The takeaway

This study highlights the importance of addressing excess weight over time, not just at a single point, as a key factor in long-term heart health. The findings emphasize the need for clinicians and patients to prioritize sustained weight management strategies to help reduce cardiovascular disease risk, especially for younger individuals.