What is the relationship between body mass index and stroke risk?
Several prospective studies have found that higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of stroke. A meta-analysis of 16 Japanese cohorts found that individuals with a BMI higher than 25 had a significantly increased risk of stroke compared to individuals with a BMI of less than 25. A meta-analysis of prospective studies with 2 million participants found that individuals in the highest BMI category had an approximately 40 percent greater risk of stroke compared to individuals in the lowest BMI category. Additionally, a study in China found that higher BMI was associated with an increased risk of total and type-specific stroke. Thus, there is evidence to suggest that higher BMI is associated with an increased risk of stroke. 