Obesity is strongly associated with cardiomyopathy in UK Biobank participants

Q: 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.

Q: How many participants were in the study?

The study included 442 individuals with cardiomyopathy and 173,429 matched controls from the UK Biobank.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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).

Last updated: Aug 13, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score34/100

Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆

Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆

Mechanism★★★★★

Safety★★★★☆

Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Health profiles and lifestyles of those with cardiomyopathy vs. age-matched controls: a UK Biobank analysis.

observational

Kholeif S, Guerrero-Wyss M, Ho F, Celis-Morales C · The British journal of cardiology (2026)

Participants: N/A

Duration: N/A

Intervention: Observational comparison of obesity (BMI-defined) between cardiomyopathy cases and controls

Outcome: Presence of cardiomyopathy (ICD-10 code I42)

Effect Size: OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.88 to 4.76

Population: UK Biobank participants: 442 with cardiomyopathy and 173,429 age- and sex-matched controls

Result:

PubMed: 42568885 DOI: 10.5837/bjc.2026.022

Mechanism Graph

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

Limitations

⚠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.

Products

Affiliate links coming soon. We only recommend products that match the doses and forms used in the cited research.

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

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.