The effects of weight management on heart failure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Background

Weight management is an important part of disease management in patients with heart failure. However, the effectiveness of reported weight management interventions is inconclusive.

Aims

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effects of weight management on functional status, heart failure-related hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched on April 3, 2022. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021283817). Eligible studies assessed functional status, heart failure-related hospitalizations, and all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure. Two researchers independently screened the articles, extracted data, and evaluated the risk bias of each study. Dichotomous variables were presented as OR with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The data were analyzed using a fixed effect or random effect model, and heterogeneity was determined using I ² statistics. All statistical analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.3.

Results

Among 4279 studies screened, seven randomized controlled trials were included in this study. The results showed that weight management significantly improved functional status (OR = 0.15, 95% CI [0.07, 0.35], I ² = 52%) and reduced the risk of all-cause mortality (OR = 0.54, 95% CI [0.34, 0.85], I ² = 0%), but had no significant effect on heart failure-related hospitalizations (OR = 0.72, 95% CI [0.20, 2.66]).

Linking Evidence to Action

Weight management has effects on improved functional status and reduced all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure. It is necessary to strengthen the weight management interventions of patients with heart failure to improve patients' functional status and reduce all-cause mortality.