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

To examine the difference in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) outcomes based on various BMI categories, as the first systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic.

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 more in non-obese individuals, but no significant differences for HDL, triglycerides, heart rate, or blood pressure.
  • No significant differences in METs or BMI between overweight and normal BMI groups; greater triglyceride reduction in normal BMI patients.
  • High heterogeneity noted in most analyses.
Interpretation:

Limitations:
  • High inter-study heterogeneity.
  • Variations in CR protocols.
  • Lack of standardization in BMI definitions.
Conclusion:

Pre-rehabilitation BMI does not significantly impact CR outcomes.

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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