A tertiary care study on the effectiveness of moderate weight loss on heart rate variability frequency-domain components in obese patients at high cardiovascular risk

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality, and obesity is a significant risk factor. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a structured nutritional intervention on weight loss, heart rate variability, and biochemical profiles in obese patients with high cardiovascular risk. METHODS: This was a non-randomized, uncontrolled study on the effectiveness of an institutional nutritional program. Heart rate variability measurements were obtained at baseline and after the nutritional program using a six-channel digital electrocardiograph. RESULTS: This study included 24 patients with obesity (body mass index >30kg/m²), aged 42-80 years, who underwent a 3-month nutritional program. Significant reductions in body weight (p=0.043), body mass index (p=0.042), and waist circumference (p=0.031) were observed. Biochemical profiles improved, with decreased glycated hemoglobin (p=0.015), total cholesterol (p=0.001), LDLc (p=0.047), and triglycerides (p=0.021), while HDLc remained unchanged. Heart rate variability analysis revealed significant post-nutritional program decreases in low-frequency (p