Multimorbidity in a Prospective Cohort: Prevalence and Associations with Weight Loss and Health Status in Severely Obese Patients

ObjectiveTo examine the prevalence of multimorbidity (2 chronic conditions) in severely obese patients and its associations with weight loss and health status over 2 years. MethodsIn a prospective cohort including 500 severely obese adults, self-reported prevalence of 20 chronic conditions was calculated at baseline and 2 years. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to test the covariate-adjusted associations between 5% weight reduction and reduction in multimorbidity and the association between health status (visual analogue scale [VAS]) and reduction in multimorbidity over 2 years. ResultsAfter 2 years, mean weight change was -12.9 18.7 kg, 53% had 5% weight reduction, mean change in VAS was 11.5 +/- 21.2, and 53.5% had 10% increase in VAS. Multimorbidity was reported in 95.4% and 92.8% patients at baseline and 2 years, respectively. Weight loss (5%) over 2 years was associated with reduction in multimorbidity (adjusted OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7). Reduction in multimorbidity was associated with clinically important improvements (10% increase in VAS) in health status (adjusted OR=2.5, 95% CI 1.6, 4.0). ConclusionsMultimorbidity is common in severely obese patients. Having 5% weight reduction over 2 years was associated with a reduction in multimorbidity, which was also associated with improvements in health status.