News
Waist Size, Not BMI, Tied to Longevity in Older Adults
8/26/20261 min read
A new study suggests waist circumference is a better predictor of longevity than BMI in older adults, highlighting the complex relationship between weight and health.
Read the story at CNN (opens in a new tab)
Originally reported by CNN. Senior Wellness summarises the reporting; we do not publish the original article.
According to CNN, a recent study suggests that waist circumference might be a more reliable indicator of longevity than body mass index (BMI) for adults over 65. The research found that a larger waist is linked to a higher risk of early death, whereas being overweight by BMI standards was associated with a lower risk.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, analyzed data from nearly 7,000 older adults over 14 years. It showed that men and women with waist measurements exceeding 40 inches and 35 inches, respectively, had a 24% higher risk of early death, even after adjusting for BMI.
Dr. Leana Wen, a wellness expert cited in the report, explains that BMI might be less useful for older adults as it doesn't account for changes in body composition, like muscle loss, which can occur with age. Waist circumference provides insight into visceral fat, which is associated with health risks such as heart disease and diabetes.
Older adults might consider discussing their waist size with healthcare providers alongside other health indicators. It's important to focus on overall health and functional abilities rather than solely on BMI or weight goals.
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