Losing weight, which is sometimes seen as the first step to optimal health, may potentially be a death sentence in the long run. Despite the claimed advantages, it is not usually recommended for older persons to lose weight because certain observational studies link weight reduction with higher mortality. An international research team under the direction of Monash University in Australia has investigated the relationships between variations in body weight and waist circumference and overall all-cause and cause-specific death. The team used information from a previous study that examined aspirin use in 16,703 Australian participants aged 70 and over to highlight the surprising link between weight loss and increased risk of mortality.
Elderly
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People who have lost weight are at a higher risk
The scientists concentrated on information on mortality over time, measures of waist circumference, and weight records. 9,193 women and 7,510 men made up the cohort. None of the people had any obvious signs of cardiovascular disease, dementia, physical impairment, or other chronic conditions with shortening lives.
Changes in body weight and waist circumference were divided into five categories: changes within 5% (stable), changes between 5% and 10%, changes between 5% and 10%, and changes above 10%. Men who lost between 5% and 10% of their body weight had a 33% higher chance of dying from any cause than men who did not change their weight, and men who lost more than 10% had a 289% higher risk. Women who lost between 5% and 10% of their body weight had a 26% higher chance of dying from any cause than those who maintained their weight, and those who lost more than 10% had a 114% higher risk. A 2.14-fold increased risk of all-cause death for males and a 34% increased risk of all-cause mortality for women were linked to a waist circumference reduction of more than 10%.
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Clinical significance
According to experts, weight loss is probably a sign of several disorders that diminish life expectancy at an early stage. In addition to increased mortality from all causes, including Parkinson’s disease, trauma, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and other uncommon causes of death, the study found that weight loss also precedes a cancer diagnosis.
Conclusion
The researchers come to the conclusion that doctors and their patients need to be aware of the strong link between mortality and weight reduction.
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References
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