Weight Loss can Help Reduce Symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation

Overweight or obese individuals are typically at an increased risk for developing various health conditions that can range from type 2 diabetes to high blood pressure, and losing weight can obviously help prevent or slow the progression of these medical problems.

However, a recent study looks in particular at weight loss and controlling atrial fibrillation. Researchers from the University of Adelaide found that overweight or obese individuals were able to better control this health problem, also known as fast or irregular heart rhythm.

Atrial fibrillation occurs when electrical signals send charges to the heartbeat that are rapid and disorganized. When this signals are unable to function properly, the heart's upper chambers begin to contract abnormally and increase and individual's stroke risk.

"Weight loss will help most people who are overweight," co-author Dr. Prashanthan Sandaers said, via HealthDay. He is the director of the center for Heart Rhythm Disorders University of Adelaide in Australia. "Extra weight, through so many ways, has a significant impact on the atria."

Study authors looked 150 people with a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 27 over a period of 19 months. Half of the sample was placed in the weight-management program for the first eight weeks. This program required the participants to adopt a low-calorie diet of only 800 to 1,200 calories per day. Two of the meals consisted of weight loss shakes while the other carried a high level of protein. All group participants were also asked to follow a low-intensity exercise routine three times a week starting with 20 minute sessions that gradually increased to 45 minutes. The remaining half of the group received advice on proper nutrition and exercise habits.

The end of the study showed that people in the weight management group had lost an average of 33 pounds. The other group only lost an average of 12.5 pounds. Despite the difference shown in both groups, researchers concluded that weight loss showed positive results for the medical condition-with the group that lost more weight experiencing greater reductions in atrial fibrillation symptoms.

More information regarding the study can be found via JAMA.