Key result
Higher BMI linked to lower post-stroke mortality across most observational studies.
Why the study?
Does higher BMI/obesity improve clinical outcomes in stroke patients?
Systematic Review (n=299,750)
Does higher BMI/obesity improve clinical outcomes in stroke patients?
While observational data suggest a survival benefit for obese patients after stroke (the 'obesity paradox'), significant methodological limitations exist and this effect is not seen after intravenous thrombolysis.
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Should not change practice due to methodological limits; leaves open whether obesity truly improves post-stroke survival.
Oesch et al. (2017) conducted a systematic review in Stroke (n=299,750). Obesity / Higher BMI vs. Normal weight was evaluated on Mortality and functional status. Most observational data indicate a survival benefit for obese patients after stroke, with 10 of 12 studies reporting significantly lower mortality rates in stroke patients with higher BMI values.
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