New insights into BMI, age, and cardiovascular risk
Recent research presented at the European Congress on Obesity ECO 2024 suggests that keeping a moderate overweight status may not raise cardiovascular risk for some seniors, and could even be linked to lower death rates in certain contexts. The study examined data from about 23,000 individuals with an average age around 59, providing a large look at how body mass index, chronic conditions like diabetes, and aging intersect in affecting heart health.
BMI, or body mass index, is a simple calculation used to gauge whether a person falls into underweight, normal, overweight, or obese categories. It is determined by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. This metric has long served as a quick screening tool in clinical settings and research to estimate obesity-related risk factors for chronic diseases.
Among adults younger than 65, the data pointed to an optimal BMI near 24 kg/m², while for those older than 65, an optimal range near 27 kg/m² emerged as a potential indicator of lower mortality risk over an extended follow-up period. The findings held true for adults with type 2 diabetes, a group already known to face elevated cardiovascular risk. As waist size increased, so did the overall risk of death, underscoring that fat distribution matters alongside total BMI.
In middle age, individuals classified as overweight, with BMI values between 25 and 29.9 kg/m², showed about a 13 percent higher risk of cardiovascular death across more than a decade of observation when compared with normal-weight peers. Those within the normal range, BMI under 25 kg/m², experienced the lowest risk of death from heart causes during the same period. In contrast, among those aged 65 and older, being in the overweight category was associated with an approximate 18 percent reduction in mortality risk, a finding that challenges some traditional assumptions about weight and aging.
Doctors involved in the ECO 2024 presentation emphasized that for older adults who are moderately overweight but not obese, prioritizing weight stability might be a practical approach to lowering the chance of death from cardiovascular disease. Rather than rapid weight loss, maintaining a steady weight can support continued mobility, functional health, and resilience during stressful life events. This perspective aligns with broader discussions about weight management in older populations, which consider the balance between potential benefits of weight stability and the risks linked with losing lean mass or bone density in later years.
The researchers also noted a possible protective effect of moderate overweight in older adults. A plausible explanation is that this group may experience fewer fractures or falls and could retain greater resources to cope with acute health stresses. These observations contribute to a nuanced view of weight and aging, suggesting that the optimal BMI may shift across the lifespan and depend on broader health status, body composition, and functional ability rather than weight alone.
Overall, the findings highlight that simple one-size-fits-all messages about weight and heart health may not apply uniformly to everyone, particularly as people age. Clinicians are encouraged to evaluate body composition, metabolic health, and physical function alongside BMI when guiding patients through cardiovascular risk reduction. The evolving evidence underscores the importance of individualized care and ongoing monitoring to support healthy aging, rather than relying solely on numerical targets that do not reflect a person’s broader health profile.
Additional context from ECO 2024 indicates that memory-related concerns remain an important area of study. Earlier assessments have shown that many individuals with mild cognitive impairment are not fully aware of their condition, which can influence how health risks are perceived and managed. This underscores the value of proactive screening and open dialogue between patients and healthcare providers to address both physical and cognitive health in a comprehensive manner.