Weight Loss Cardiovascular Benefit — EECC MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: D — Weight loss of ≥5-10% of body weight improves BP, lipid profile, insulin resistance, and AF burden; the Look AHEAD trial showed no CV mortality reduction but improved HF outcomes, exercise capacity, and quality of life; GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2i combine metabolic and CV benefit
Weight loss of ≥5-10% produces clinically meaningful improvements in cardiometabolic risk: (1) BP: ~5-10 mmHg SBP reduction per 10 kg lost; (2) lipids: reduced TG, increased HDL-C; (3) insulin sensitivity: improved glycaemia, reduced T2DM incidence (Diabetes Prevention Program — 58% risk reduction with lifestyle modification); (4) AF: weight loss reduces AF burden (LEGACY study — 10% weight loss = 6-fold increase in AF freedom). The Look AHEAD trial (intensive lifestyle intervention in T2DM) showed no CV mortality reduction (terminated for futility) but demonstrated: reduced HF hospitalisations, improved functional capacity, reduced medications, and improved quality of life. The 2024 ESC Hypertension and 2021 Prevention Guidelines recommend weight management (Class I) as a fundamental component of CVD prevention. GLP-1 RAs (semaglutide — SELECT trial: 20% MACE reduction in obese non-diabetic patients) provide a pharmacological pathway to weight loss with proven CV benefit.
Reference: ESC (2021): Prevention; ESC (2024): Hypertension; SELECT Trial