What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Cohort. Population: Stroke (n=66048). Intervention: Obesity vs. Normal weight. Primary outcome: Stroke.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aimed to assess the independent contribution of obesity to stroke risk among 50-year-olds in Northern Sweden.

May 8, 2026European Stroke JournalOpen Access

Abstract Number: Esoc2026a2011 the Association Between Obesity and Stroke Risk Among 50-Year-Olds in Northern Sweden, a Prospective Cohort Study

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Key result

Obesity is not independently linked to 15-year stroke risk, but hypertension carries ~98% greater risk.

n=66,048

Why the study?

Among metabolically healthy individuals, the independent contribution of obesity to stroke risk is disputed.

Does obesity increase the risk of stroke within 15 years among 50-year-olds?

Key Points

This study aimed to assess the independent contribution of obesity to stroke risk among 50-year-olds in Northern Sweden.
Retrospective register study using data from health examinations, stroke register, and patient register.
Included individuals aged 48-52 years from 1985-2022 with observable body mass index data.
Follow-up duration was 15 years, employing descriptive analyses and Cox regression analyses using SPSS.
Of 66,048 patients, 1,251 (1.9%) suffered a stroke over 15 years.
Hypertension and diabetes were more common in obese individuals compared to those with normal weight.
Hypertension (HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.75-2.24) and diabetes (HR 1.67; 95% CI 1.31-2.14) were linked to increased stroke risk, while obesity was not.

Study Design

Type

Cohort (n=66,048)

Structured PICO

Does obesity increase the risk of stroke within 15 years among 50-year-olds?

Population

66,048 individuals aged 48-52 years old from Northern Sweden who participated in health examinations between 1985-2022 and had available body mass index data.

Intervention

Obesity

Comparator

Normal weight

Outcome

Stroke within 15 yearshard clinical

Obesity is not independently associated with 15-year stroke risk in 50-year-olds, but it indirectly increases risk by driving higher prevalences of hypertension and diabetes.

Discussion

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Implication

Hypothesis-generating for hypertension's impact on stroke in this cohort; leaves open need for interventional trials before practice change.

Cite This Study

Palm et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Stroke (n=66,048). Obesity vs. Normal weight was evaluated on Stroke. Obesity was not independently associated with an increased risk of stroke within 15 years among 50-year-olds, whereas hypertension (HR 1.98; 95% CI 1.75-2.24) significantly increased stroke risk.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69fd7f65bfa21ec5bbf07f8e https://doi.org/10.1093/esj/aakag023.940

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Implication

Hypothesis-generating for hypertension's impact on stroke in this cohort; leaves open need for interventional trials before practice change.

Abstract Number: Esoc2026a2011 the Association Between Obesity and Stroke Risk Among 50-Year-Olds in Northern Sweden, a Prospective Cohort Study

Key Points

Study Design

Structured PICO

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Abstract Number: Esoc2026a2011 the Association Between Obesity and Stroke Risk Among 50-Year-Olds in Northern Sweden, a Prospective Cohort Study

Key Points

Study Design

Structured PICO

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider