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Obese NFL players face higher CVD mortality

Baron SL. Am J Cardiol. 2012;doi:10.1016/j.amjcard.2011.10.050.

Issue: April 2012

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National Football League players appear to have a decreased mortality, except for those who have a BMI of at least 30, according to results of a recent study.

Researchers studied more than 3,400 NFL players from the 1959 to 1988 seasons to examine whether playing position and size influence CVD mortality. They used standardized mortality ratios (SMR) to compare player mortality through 2007 with the US population of men stratified by age, race/ethnicity and calendar year.

Among NFL players, overall mortality (SMR=0.53; 95% CI, 0.48-0.59), cancer mortality (SMR=0.58; 95% CI, 0.46-0.72) and CVD mortality (SMR=0.68; 95% CI, 0.56-0.81) were decreased compared with the US male population.

However, defensive linemen had higher CVD mortality (SMR=1.42; 95% CI, 1.02-1.92), whereas offensive linemen did not (SMR=0.70; 95% CI, 0.45-1.05). Cardiomyopathy mortality was also increased in defensive linemen (SMR=5.34; 95% CI, 2.30-10.5).

When the researchers adjusted for age, race/ethnicity and calendar year, CVD mortality was increased for both obese players (HR=2.02; 95% CI, 1.06-3.85) and defensive linemen compared with offensive linemen (HR=2.07; 95% CI, 1.24-3.46).

Internal analyses showed increased CVD mortality for nonwhite players (HR=1.69; 95% CI, 1.13-2.51).

“Although 90% of players would be classified as overweight or obese based on BMI alone, BMI is likely to overestimate adiposity in athletes who have a larger proportion of muscle mass,” the researchers wrote in the study. “Players’ body composition and high fitness levels likely contribute to their lower than expected overall mortality compared to the general US population, especially given their increased size.”

However, according to Sherry L. Baron, MD, MPH, researcher at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the data provide evidence that football players’ big bodies can be a health liability.

“The problem is that once big athletes are no longer in the game, it’s very hard to keep up their former physical activity levels,” Baron said in a press release. “This [study] makes it clear that if you’re big and muscular at a young age, it could have a long-term health effect.”

Disclosure: Dr. Baron reports no relevant financial disclosures.

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