Moderate excess weight minimizes the risk of cardiovascular disease in people over 65, especially those with diabetes. Study presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2024).
Scientists analyzed data from approximately 23 thousand patients with an average age of 59. BMI is a measurement used to assess whether you are obese or underweight. To find yours, you need to divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters.
The analysis showed that the ideal BMI for people under 65 is 24 kg/m², and for older people it is 27 kg/m². These findings also apply to people with type 2 diabetes, who are at greater risk for heart problems. As waist circumference increased, the risk of death also increased.
In the middle-aged group, being overweight (BMI 25 kg/m2 to 29.9 kg/m2) was associated with a 13% increased risk of heart-related death (over 13 years of follow-up). The risk was minimal with a BMI below 25 kg/m², corresponding to normal weight. However, in people over 65, a BMI in the overweight range was associated with an 18% reduced risk of death.
“Our findings suggest that for older adults who are moderately overweight but not obese, maintaining weight rather than losing weight may be a more practical way to reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease,” the doctors said.
The authors suggest that obesity may provide some protection against life-threatening diseases. The lower risk of death may be because older adults who are moderately overweight have a lower risk of fractures and falls and have more resources to cope with periods of acute stress.
Previous scientists I learned92% of people with mild memory impairments are unaware of their impairment.