Motivation of overweight patients with atrial fibrillation to lose weight or to follow a weight loss management program: a cross-sectional study.

Aims: Overweight increases the risk of recurrence and progression of atrial fibrillation (AF). This study assesses the knowledge of overweight AF patients about the relation between their weight and AF, to gauge their motivation losing weight and/or following weight reduction programs.

Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional descriptive study was performed at three Belgian hospitals. A validated self-developed questionnaire was presented to AF patients with a body mass index (BMI) >27 kg/m and it addressed: motivation to reduce weight and its related factors; knowledge about the relation between weight and AF; and interest in weight reduction programs.

Results: One hundred and forty-three patients completed the questionnaire. 75.5% was currently motivated to reduce weight. Multivariate regression analysis showed that a higher BMI, a college/university degree, male gender, without hypertension, previous weight loss attempt(s) and living with a partner, were significantly associated with greater motivation for weight reduction. Only 69.9% of the patients was aware of the positive effect of weight reduction on the progression of AF. A completely home-based/telerehabilitation program was the preferred approach for 57.9% of the patients.

Conclusions: AF patients with overweight need to be better informed about overweight as a risk factor for AF. Female AF patients with a lower degree of education, hypertension, living alone, who have never attempted to reduce weight and with a lower but still elevated BMI need more external motivation to lose weight. A tailored weight reduction program (home-based) is the preferred option for patients. This will require further development and validation of telecoaching programs for this patient group.