By Gabe Sanders PhD, NSCA-CSCS
The connection between body weight and longevity has long been a topic of debate, especially when it comes to older adults. Does carrying a few extra pounds actually help you live longer?
In 2024, researchers set out to answer this question with a groundbreaking study, exploring whether being overweight, defined by a BMI between 25 and 30, could be linked to longer life spans in people aged 85 and older. The findings challenge conventional wisdom, offering new insights into how body weight impacts health in the “oldest old.”
Obesity Paradox
Using genetic data from large, well-established health-related datasets, the researchers explored whether being overweight had a direct, causal impact on survival beyond age 85. Surprisingly, the study found that individuals who were overweight between the ages of 75 and 85 had a significantly better chance of living past 85 compared to those with normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9). This finding supports the concept of the “obesity paradox,” the idea that being overweight can, in some cases, have protective health effects in older adults.
Genetics linked to BMI can influence longevity
Genetic factors linked to BMI can influence longevity, suggesting that carrying extra weight later in life may offer benefits, such as providing energy reserves during illness and aiding recovery from health issues like fractures or infections. However, this advantage was observed specifically in older adults, and the protective effects of being overweight may not apply earlier in life, where the risks of conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease often outweigh any potential benefits.
Not everyone shares the same genetics
It's important to remember that not everyone shares the same genetic makeup, and for most individuals, carrying excess weight, especially obesity, remains a significant risk factor for premature mortality. To promote long-term health and longevity, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and following a balanced diet are essential. These practices help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and contribute to overall well-being throughout life.
Article’s Source
Duan, H., Arbeev, K., Holmes, R., Bagley, O., Wu, D., Akushevich, I., Schupf, N., Yashin, A., & Ukraintseva, S. (2024). Is being overweight a causal factor in better survival among the oldest old? A Mendelian randomization study. Frontiers in Aging, 5, 1442017.
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