Impact of body mass index on outcomes of cardiac rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Report - MDSpire

Impact of body mass index on outcomes of cardiac rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • By

  • Siwei Tu

  • Chunna Ding

  • May 22, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Influence of Body Mass Index on Cardiac Rehabilitation Outcomes

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of baseline body mass index (BMI) on cardiac rehabilitation (CR) outcomes. The findings indicate that pre-rehabilitation BMI does not significantly affect improvements in exercise capacity or lipid profiles among CR patients.

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation is essential for recovery after cardiac events, aiming to improve physical and mental health while reducing cardiovascular risks. This study addresses a gap in the literature regarding the relationship between BMI and CR outcomes.

Data Highlights

No significant differences were found in exercise capacity (METs) or lipid profiles between obese and non-obese participants in CR.

Key Findings

  • No significant difference in change in METs between obese and non-obese participants.
  • Change in BMI was not significantly different between groups.
  • Total cholesterol levels improved slightly more in non-obese individuals.
  • Triglyceride reduction was greater among patients with a normal BMI.
  • High heterogeneity was noted in most analyses.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate that BMI does not significantly influence key outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation.

Conclusion

The study concludes that pre-rehabilitation BMI does not significantly impact exercise capacity or lipid profile improvements in cardiac rehabilitation patients.

Related Resources & Content

  1. MacEachern et al., Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2026 -- Influence of Body Mass Index on Cardiac Rehabilitation Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  2. conexiant — BMI Patterns in ILD Outcomes Examined
  3. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology — Body mass index, regional adipose deposition, and clinical outcomes in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy: a prospective cohort study
  4. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology — Enhancing cardiac rehabilitation: addressing multidimensional aspects of frailty
  5. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology — When meta-analyses fall short: the need to reframe evidence generation through real-world data in cardiac rehabilitation
  6. BMI Patterns in ILD Outcomes Examined
  7. Body mass index, regional adipose deposition, and clinical outcomes in non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy: a prospective cohort study
  8. Enhancing cardiac rehabilitation: addressing multidimensional aspects of frailty
  9. Top Things to Know: Secondary Prevention After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: 2026 Update
  10. Obesity and cardiovascular disease: an ESC clinical consensus statement
  11. Frontiers | Impact of body mass index on outcomes of cardiac rehabilitation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Original Source(s)

Impact of body mass index on outcomes of cardiac rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • by Siwei Tu, Chunna Ding

  • May 22, 2026

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