In the latest study published in the Journal of Geriatrics, researchers discovered that women whose weight is stable after age 60 are likely to live longer than 90 years old.
According to Medical News Today, researchers from the University of California San Diego (USA) examined 54,437 participants in the Health Women a long-term study to investigate the causes of chronic diseases in women postmenopausal women.
In the process of researching the weight of women Participants were recorded at baseline, year 3 and year 10.
Based on these data participants were classified into three groups: Weight loss (those who lost more than 5% from baseline) weight gain (participants had an increase of 5% or more from baseline) or stable weight (less than 5% change from baseline).
Of the total participants 30,647 (56% women) showed exceptional longevity – life expectancy exceeding 90 years.
Findings showed that participants decreased or Weight gain of 5% or more above baseline is less likely to live longer than people whose weight is stable. This is the first study of its kind to evaluate the impact of weight change on longevity in women.
Researchers also found that unintentional weight loss has a stronger association with reduced life expectancy.
Aladdin H. Shadyab one of the study’s authors said if older women see weight loss when they are not trying to lose weight, this is can be a warning sign of poor health and a predictor of reduced life expectancy.
Although common weight loss recommendations may not help older women improve their longevity but researchers warn that women in this age group should still follow medical advice and lose weight if necessary to improve their health or quality of life.
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