Associations of weight cycling with cardiovascular health using American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 in a diverse sample of women

Prior research shows that weight cycling is associated with poorer cardiovascular health (CVH). Women experience unique life events (e.g. pregnancy, menopause) which may make them more prone to weight cycling. Examining the influence of weight cycling history (HWC) on CVH, quantified using the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 (LS7), may provide novel targets to improve CVH. A cross-sectional sample of 485 women at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (2016–2018) were scored on each LS7 metric (BMI, blood pressure, fasting cholesterol and glucose, physical activity, diet, and smoking): 0 (low), 1 (moderate) or 2 (high). Metric points were summed into a composite LS7 score as a measure of CVH: 0–8 (low), 9–10 (moderate), 11–14 (high). Multivariable-adjusted logistic and linear regression models were used for the associations between HWC and CVH. Most women (73%) reported HWC (range: 0–20); 26% had low CVH and 74% moderate/high CVH. Logistic models showed HWC was associated with higher odds of having poor CVH [OR (95%CI): 2.39 (1.36–4.20)]. Linear models showed each additional weight cycling episode was associated with lower LS7 scores [ß(SE): −0.37 (0.07); p < 0.01]. Associations between HWC and odds of having poor CVH were stronger among pre-menopausal women and those with no pregnancy history (p-interaction = 0.009, 0.004, respectively). In conclusion, HWC was associated with higher odds of poorer CVH with stronger associations seen in pre-menopausal and women with no pregnancy history. These findings suggest that in addition to having a healthy weight, maintaining a consistent weight may be important for achieving optimal CVH, but warrant prospective confirmation.