Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyRandomised controlled trial
Weight Loss in Older Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
- Randomised controlled trial
- parallel-group
- unblinded
- 2 UK hospitals
Authors' conclusion
In older patients with overweight and persistent AF, a low-calorie diet and behavioral support program was associated with significant weight loss at 8 months with no safety concerns but did not affect AF symptoms, AF burden, cardiac remodeling, or the need for further rhythm control interventions.
Study context
- Population
- Patients aged 60 to 85 years with BMI 27 or greater undergoing electrical cardioversion for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF)randomized
- Participants
- 118 patients
- Comparison
- Low-calorie diet and behavioural support vs usual care
- Interventionn = 59
- Controln = 59reference
- Primary endpoint
- Change in Atrial Fibrillation Severity Scale (AFSS) symptom severity score
- Follow-up
- 8 months after randomization
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
AFSS symptom severity score (baseline-adjusted mean) · 8 months
Between-group difference
−0.9
95% CI −3.3 to 1.4
P = 0.43
By group
Intervention
7.9
baseline-adjusted mean · SE 0.84
Control
8.9
baseline-adjusted mean · SE 0.84
Intervention vs Control
between-group difference −0.9 (95% CI −3.3 to 1.4); P = 0.43
Further findings
| Outcome | estimated difference (kg) (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body weight (baseline-adjusted mean) · 8 months | −6.9 (−9.2 to −4.5) | P < 0.001 | |
| −10−505Difference, kg (linear scale) |
- Body weight (baseline-adjusted mean): 92.6 [SE, 0.85] kg vs 99.4 [SE, 0.85] kg; weight reduction 9.7% vs 3.1% (P < .001)
Physical performance, AF burden, cardiac imaging parameters, BP, lipid profile, repeat cardioversion or AF ablation
- No significant treatment effects
Safety
events
| Outcome | Intervention | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Serious adverse events related to trial participation | 0 | 0 |
Original publication
Weight Loss in Older Patients With Persistent Atrial Fibrillation. JAMA. Published 21 July 2026. doi:10.1001/jama.2026.5787
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it