Older people who lose weight are more likely to die or develop disorders that impact their quality of life, according to a new study.
- A 5% weight loss in people over 70 increases the risk of all-cause mortality, a new study has found.
- Weight loss in seniors is also linked to diseases such as cancer and disorders that can impact daily life.
- Researchers urge health professionals to be mindful of weight loss, especially in older men.
Many people are delighted to see the numbers go down on their scale. However, losing weight is not always synonymous with good health. A study from Monash University (Australia) shows that weight loss is associated with an increased risk of death or disorders that can limit the quality of life in individuals over 70 years of age.
Older people’s weight loss linked to increased risk of death
Scientists wanted to better understand the impact of weight change in healthy older people. For this, they studied the medical records of 17,000 adults aged 70 and over living in Australia and more than 2,000 Americans over 65. Individuals who had pathologies such as cardiovascular disease, dementia, physical disabilities or chronic illnesses were excluded from the analysis. Participants’ weight was recorded at each annual health check between 2010 and 2014.
“Our study found that even a 5% weight loss increases the risk of death, especially in older men”noted lead author Dr. Monira Hussain.
On the other hand, no link between death and weight gain in seniors has been highlighted by these data.
Senior: weight loss also promotes conditions limiting daily life
The authors suggest that weight loss may be a risk factor for mortality, as it may signal underlying problems. It can, for example, be a harbinger of pathologies such as cancer and dementia. She is “often linked to reduced appetite influenced by inflammation and hormones”explained Dr. Hussain to CNN.
Moreover, in addition to being associated with early death from all causes, having fewer pounds was also linked to an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and other life-limiting conditions.
“Physicians should be aware of the importance of weight loss, especially in older men”conclude the authors of the article published in the journal JAMA Network OpenApril 10, 2023.
However, they acknowledge that further research will be needed to more accurately determine the association between weight loss and the onset of life-threatening diseases, as well as identify people for whom early management may be effective.
