Older women can live longer if they maintain a stable weight

Researchers analyzed data from 54,437 women enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative, a study investigating the causes of chronic disease among postmenopausal women, to determine the association between weight changes later in life and the likelihood of longevity. exceptional. During the follow-up period they verified that the 56% of the participants –30,647– survived to age 90 or older.

The findings have been published in the journal Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences and add to the growing research linking the relationship between weight change and mortality. Specifically, this is the first large study to examine weight change later in life and its relationship to exceptional longevity.

How obesity or weight loss affect life expectancy

Women who lost at least 5% weight were less likely to be exceptionally long-lived compared to those who maintained a stable weight. For example, women who lost weight unintentionally were 51% less likely to reach age 90, while gaining 5% or more weight, compared with a stable weight, was not associated with exceptional longevity.

“If aging women lose weight when they are not trying to lose weight, this could be a warning sign of poor health and a predictor of decreased longevity.”

“It is very common for older women in the United States to experience overweight or obese with a body mass index of 25 to 35. Our findings support the Stable weight as a goal for longevity in older women.said the study’s first author, Aladdin H. Shadyab, an associate professor at UC San Diego’s Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Sciences.

“If aging women lose weight when they are not trying to lose weight, this could be a warning sign of poor health and a predictor of decreased longevity,” the expert notes. The study results suggest that general weight-loss recommendations for older women may not help them live longer, but the authors caution that women should follow medical advice if a diet is recommended. moderate weight loss to improve your health or quality of life.




Source: www.webconsultas.com



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