Excess Belly Fat Could Reveal More About the Lifespan of Older Adults than BMI
Researchers found waist size predicted mortality better than BMI, with men over 40 inches and women over 35 inches facing a 24% higher death risk.
- A new study published August 19 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that larger waist circumference is linked to higher early death risk among adults aged 65 and older.
- While body mass index is widely used, experts argue it fails to distinguish between muscle mass and fat, making it inadequate for characterizing mortality risk in seniors compared to waist circumference.
- Researchers analyzing data from nearly 7,000 participants found those with waist circumferences exceeding 40 inches for men or 35 inches for women faced a 24% higher risk of early death, regardless of BMI.
- CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen advises older adults to prioritize physical function and muscle strength over weight targets, noting underweight individuals face a risk of early death two times higher than those in normal ranges.
- Tracking waist circumference offers a simple, home-based method to estimate visceral fat, which is associated with cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance, enabling better health monitoring alongside blood pressure and cholesterol.
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Excess belly fat could reveal more about the lifespan of older adults than BMI
A new study is suggesting that BMI may not be the correct measure of health for some seniors.The study, which was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, found that a larger waist circumference correlates with a higher risk of an early death, but those being overweight based on BMI have a lower risk.RELATED STORY | Why some people classified as obese may have lower heart risks than expectedAdditional studies found that centr…
Waist Size, Not BMI, May Better Predict Longevity Risk in Older Adults, New Study Finds, Doctor Explains
A study suggests waist circumference is a more reliable indicator of early death risk than BMI in older adults, challenging traditional health assessments and highlighting the importance of body composition.
New study shows that waist measurement is associated with a higher chance of early death in adults over 65 years of age
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