There is a saying that losing too much weight as you age is not very good. A study has shown that for patients with diabetes (Type 2 diabetes), gaining a little weight after age 65 can reduce the risk of death from heart disease, stroke, and other causes.

According to a study analyzing 22,874 patients with type 2 diabetes who participated in the UK Biobank research, patients over 65 years old should have a body mass index (BMI, measured in kg/m²) of around 26 to 28, slightly higher than normal, to most effectively reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. However, for diabetic patients under 65, maintaining a BMI of 23 to 25 was found to minimize the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

 

Cardiovascular diseases include heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.

This research will be presented at the European Obesity Congress (ECO 2024) held in Venice, Italy, from May 12 to 15. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies BMI in adults as follows: less than 18.5 is underweight, 18.5 to less than 25 is normal, 25 to less than 30 is overweight, 30 to less than 35 is stage 1 obesity, 35 to less than 40 is stage 2 obesity, and 40 or above is stage 3 obesity. The Korean Society for Obesity also follows the WHO standards.

The research team investigated and analyzed the age-related differences in BMI and cardiovascular disease mortality risk among type 2 diabetes patients registered in the UK Biobank from 2006 to 2010. The average age of participants was 59 years, and approximately 59% were women. The team tracked their cardiovascular health for about 13 years. During this period, 891 individuals died from various cardiovascular diseases.

 

The research team analyzed data from two age groups: the elderly (over 65 years old) and middle-aged adults (65 years old or younger), evaluating the relationship between variables such as BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio and the risk of cardiovascular disease mortality. The results were adjusted considering age, gender, smoking history, alcohol consumption, physical activity level, and history of cardiovascular disease.

According to the research findings, middle-aged individuals who are overweight have a 13% higher risk of cardiovascular disease death compared to those with normal weight. However, in the elderly, overweight individuals were found to have an 18% lower risk of cardiovascular disease death compared to those with normal weight. This study did not establish causality but identified correlations through observation.

 

Dr. Xiaoyong Xu, the first author of the study from the affiliated hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science in Hubei, China, said, "For elderly people who are slightly above normal weight but not obese, maintaining weight rather than losing it is beneficial in reducing the risk of death from cardiovascular disease." He explained, "This suggests that nutrients such as fats can provide some protective functions against disease. The 'obesity paradox' in the elderly may be related to the preservation of nutrition that reduces the risk of falls and injuries and helps cope with stress."

 

On the other hand, there are quite a few research findings indicating that losing too much weight with age is not very good. According to a study by Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic University of Korea, patients with type 2 diabetes who lose more than 10% of their body weight are at a higher risk of hip fractures. Research by the Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research shows that if elderly people sustain a hip fracture and do not receive proper treatment, 25% may die within one year and 70% within two years. The Korean Society for Obesity emphasizes the need to maintain a normal BMI range. There is also controversy surrounding the effectiveness of BMI.

 

 

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There is a joke that says, "If you lose too much weight as you get older, you look like you don't exist."

Diabetic patients over 65 should also gain a little weight.

Research results show that the risk of death from various cardiovascular diseases has decreased the most.

 

Is it not okay to speak too much?

My mother is very thin, and I am always worried.