A new study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UC San Diego) has found that weight loss may not be healthy for all individuals with obesity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity and overweight have reached epidemic proportions in Europe, and studies have previously recommended weight loss to combat negative health effects such as increased asthma risk. However, the UC San Diego study found that older women who maintain a stable weight after the age of 60 have a higher chance of living to 90 years or older. The study, published in the Journal of Gerontology, analyzed health data from over 54,000 women who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative after menopause. The results showed that women who unintentionally lost weight had a 51% lower chance of living to 90 years or older.
The study’s lead author, Aladdin H. Shadyab, emphasized the importance of stable weight as a goal for longevity in older women. He noted that unintentional weight loss is often a sign of poor health and reduced longevity. The study’s findings raise questions about general recommendations for weight loss in older women, but the authors still recommend seeking medical advice if moderate weight loss is recommended for health reasons. The study is the first of its kind to examine the impact of weight changes in older age on exceptional longevity and contributes to growing research on the relationship between weight and mortality.
The study’s results have significant implications for public health efforts to combat obesity and overweight. While weight loss may be beneficial for some individuals, the study suggests that it may not be healthy for all, particularly older women. The study’s findings underscore the importance of personalized health recommendations and the need for further research on the relationship between weight and longevity.
