Obesity slows recovery rate from stroke

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

Individuals with a high body mass index are less likely to be discharged directly to home after hospital.
It is already known that obesity is a risk factor for stroke. Now researchers at the University of California Los Angeles point out that obesity can also hinder stroke recovery. They looked at the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and discharge outcome in 451 patients who had had a stroke between 2003 and 2006.

The patients were divided into severely obese, obese, overweight and lean, depending upon their BMI. Patients with the highest BMI were the least likely to be discharged directly home rather than to inpatient rehab or nursing home, compared to those in the lowest BMI category - the figures being 26 per cent versus 45 per cent. The two highest BMI classes also showed a trend towards extended hospital stay, although this was not statistically significant. However, in-hospital mortality was not significantly different between the BMI groups. In summary, obesity can slow recovery from stroke. Now further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms by which this occurs.

Source
Archives of Neurology March 2007 Volume 64 pages 388-391

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