The relationship between body mass index and recurrence risk of stroke: a systematic review and meta‑analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and recurrence risk of stroke is unclear, and a systematic review and meta-analysis on the relationship between BMI and recurrence risk of stroke needs to be updated. Objective To explore the relationship between BMI and the risk of stroke recurrence. Methods We searched databases including the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, CBM, VIP, WanFang Database and CNKI, from inception to August 2023, to collect literature on BMI and the risk of stroke recurrence. After two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the literature data and assessed the quality of the literature included in the study, a meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 16.0 software to examine the relationship between BMI and the risk of stroke recurrence. Results A total of 17 studies were included, involving 166309 patients. In terms of stroke recurrence risk, compared with normal weight patients, underweight patients (RR=1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-1.78) had a higher risk of stroke recurrence, while overweight (RR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.87-0.96) and obese patients (RR =0.88, 95% CI 0.79-0.98) had a lower risk of stroke recurrence. Conclusion BMI is associated with stroke recurrence. Underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m2) is a risk factor for stroke recurrence, while overweight (25 kg/m2≤BMI≤29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m2) are protective factors for stroke recurrence. Overweight and obesity may be beneficial for secondary prevention in stroke patients. Registration number CRD42023447236