Obesity is strongly associated with cardiomyopathy in UK Biobank participants
In a UK Biobank analysis of 442 individuals with cardiomyopathy and 173,429 matched controls, obesity was strongly associated with cardiomyopathy (OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.88 to 4.76, p<0.0001). The study also found that males had higher odds of cardiomyopathy than females (OR 2.5, 95% CI 2.04 to 3.05, p<0.0001).
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Obesity is strongly associated with cardiomyopathy in UK Biobank participants The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 34/100 (low).
The Claim
Obesity is strongly associated with cardiomyopathy in UK Biobank participants
This conclusion is most relevant to: UK Biobank participants: 442 with cardiomyopathy and 173,429 age- and sex-matched controls.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Health profiles and lifestyles of those with cardiomyopathy vs. age-matched controls: a UK Biobank analysis. (The British journal of cardiology, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Obesity increases metabolic and inflammatory stress on the heart
- ▸Chronic stress leads to cardiac remodeling and dysfunction
- ▸Cardiomyopathy develops as a result of structural and functional abnormalities
- ▸Result: Higher odds of cardiomyopathy in obese individuals
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸UK Biobank participants: 442 with cardiomyopathy and 173,429 age- and sex-matched controls
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Observational study, cannot establish causality
- ▸BMI-based obesity may not capture body fat distribution or metabolic health
- ▸Potential residual confounding from unmeasured lifestyle or genetic factors
- ▸UK Biobank cohort may not be representative of the general population
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the association between obesity and cardiomyopathy?▼
The study found that obesity was strongly associated with cardiomyopathy, with an odds ratio of 3.7 (95% CI 2.88 to 4.76) compared to non-obese controls.
How many participants were in the study?▼
The study included 442 individuals with cardiomyopathy and 173,429 matched controls from the UK Biobank.
What other factors were associated with cardiomyopathy?▼
Male sex, higher deprivation index, alcohol intake, higher BMI, waist and hip circumference, lower physical activity, more TV viewing, and more sedentary time were also associated with cardiomyopathy.
Is this a randomized controlled trial?▼
No, this is an observational cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort (UK Biobank), so causality cannot be inferred.
References
- 1.Kholeif S, Guerrero-Wyss M, Ho F, Celis-Morales C. “Health profiles and lifestyles of those with cardiomyopathy vs. age-matched controls: a UK Biobank analysis..” The British journal of cardiology, 2026. PMID: 42568885 DOI: 10.5837/bjc.2026.022