Association Between Weight Change and Increased Likelihood of Abdominal Aortic Calcification Among Men

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to explore the effect of weight change on abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) among men.

Methods: Data were obtained from the 2013 to 2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Self-reported cardiovascular disease patients were excluded. Lateral spine images were used to quantify AAC score and severe AAC was defined as a AAC score greater than 6. Weight change over a 10-year period was defined as long-term weight change, and weight change over a 1-year period was defined as short-term weight change. The relationship between long-term and short-term weight change with AAC grade was estimated by using multivariable regression analysis and subgroup analysis.

Results: After adjusting for covariates, weight gain, especially severe weight gain (> 10 kg), was associated with increased likelihood of AAC and severe AAC both in the short term (1 year) and long term (10 years) among men when compared to stable weight change, while long-term weight loss could also lead to an increased likelihood of AAC and severe AAC.

Conclusion: Stable body weight might be a predictor of a lower risk of AAC and severe AAC among men in the long term and short term.

Keywords: NHANES; abdominal aortic calcification; cross-sectional study; males; vascular calcification; weight change.

Figure 1.

Flowchart of participant selection.

Figure 2.

Associations of abdominal aortic calcification score with 5 weight change patterns at each time point. Adjusted for age, race, body mass index at 1 or 10 years prior, energy intake, physical activity, alcohol use, smoking statues, diabetes, and hypertension.

Figure 3.

Associations of severe abdominal aortic calcification score with 5 weight change patterns at each time point. Adjusted for age, race, body mass index at 1 or 10 years prior, energy intake, physical activity, alcohol use, smoking statues, diabetes, and hypertension.