Common Measure of Mortality Risk for Seniors Questioned in Study
Summary
A new study found that measuring waist size along with body mass index (BMI) gives a better picture of death risk for adults aged 65 and older. The research shows that BMI alone can miss important risks linked to belly fat.Key Facts
- The study looked at 6,905 U.S. adults aged 65 or older, followed from 2011 to 2024.
- Higher BMI was linked to lower risk of death, while higher waist size was linked to higher risk of death.
- Overweight men had about 46% lower death risk; men with moderate obesity had 51% lower risk compared to normal weight men.
- Men with large waists had a 24% higher death risk, no matter their BMI.
- Being underweight or having a normal BMI but a large waist increased death risk in both men and women.
- Researchers recommend using both BMI and waist measurement together when assessing older adults’ health risks.
- The study was observational, meaning it found links but did not prove that body size caused the death risks.
- Experts suggest that doctors should also consider muscle loss, frailty, and medical history when evaluating these measurements.
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