Association Between Weight Change and Increased Likelihood of Abdominal Aortic Calcification Among Men

Objectives We aimed to explore the impact of weight change on abdominal aortic calcification among males. Methods Data were obtained from the 2013–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Self-reported cardiovascular disease patients were excluded. Lateral spine images were used to quantify AAC score and severe AAC was defined as AAC score >6. Weight change over a 10-year period was defined as long-term weight change, while weight change over a 1-year period was defined as short-term weight change. The relationship between long- and short-term weight change with AAC grade was estimated by using multivariable regression analysis and subgroup analysis. Results After adjusting for covariates, weight gain, especially severe weight gain(>10kg), was associated with increased likelihood of abdominal aortic calcification and severe AAC no matter in short term(1 year) or long term(10 years) life among males when compared to stable weight change, while long term weight loss could also lead to an increased likelihood of abdominal aortic calcification and severe AAC. Conclusions Stable body weight might be a predictor of a lower risk of abdominal aortic calcification and severe AAC among males no matter in the long term or short term.