‘Quitting’ obesity better than current obesity
The finding that reaching a healthy BMI after a period of obesity could reverse some but not all risks associated with obesity is reminiscent of the effects of smoking, noted Dr. Smith.
“Never is better than ever, but quitting,” or dropping weight to reach a healthy BMI, “is better than current,” she concluded.
But Dr. Emeny said this interpretation, “while motivating and catchy, places emphasis on individual responsibility and choice rather than on social circumstances.”
Social effects “must be considered when evaluating population-level disparities in obesity-related cardiometabolic risk,” cautioned Dr. Emeny.
“’Quitting’ obesity is much more complicated than individual choice or ability.”
Dr. Smith also conceded that her analyses did not correct for the possible confounding effects that changes in diet or physical activity may have had on the observations.
“Neither diet nor physical activity has a well-known summary measure that we could have included as an adjuster,” she explained.
Dr. Smith and Dr. Emeny have reported no relevant financial relationships.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.