A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society examined nearly 7,000 Americans aged 65 and older over up to 14 years. Researchers found that men and women who were classified as overweight by body mass index (BMI) – a range of 25 to 29.9 – had a lower risk of early death compared with peers whose BMI fell in the normal range.
Specifically, overweight men experienced a 46% reduction in mortality risk, while overweight women saw a 27% reduction. Participants with class I or II obesity (BMI 30 to just under 40) also showed lower mortality risk, though the benefit was not statistically significant for women in those categories. By contrast, those with class III obesity (BMI 40 or higher) did not enjoy a mortality advantage.
Waist size tells a different story
When researchers looked at waist circumference, the pattern reversed. Men with waists larger than 40 inches (101.6 cm) and women with waists larger than 35 inches (89 cm) faced a 24% higher risk of early death, even after accounting for BMI. This suggests that abdominal, or visceral, fat carries health risks that BMI alone may miss.
Why BMI can be misleading for older adults
Body mass index is calculated from height and weight, making it a useful tool for population‑level trends. However, it does not differentiate between muscle and fat. Two seniors of the same height and weight could have very different body compositions—one with more muscle, the other with more fat—yet share the same BMI.
Age‑related changes further complicate the picture. Older adults often lose muscle mass and may shrink in height, which can artificially raise BMI without indicating better health. Conversely, a “normal” BMI can mask loss of muscle and accumulation of fat, especially around the abdomen.
Visceral fat and its health impact
Visceral fat, the hidden fat stored deep in the abdomen around internal organs, is linked to inflammation, insulin resistance, and higher rates of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Measuring waist circumference provides a simple way to estimate this dangerous fat without specialized equipment.
Health experts recommend that seniors track both BMI and waist size, along with other indicators such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and overall physical function.
Practical advice for seniors and families
Rather than focusing solely on a number on the scale, older adults should prioritize functional health. Regular aerobic activity—like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming—combined with strength‑training exercises helps preserve muscle mass and supports mobility.
Adequate protein intake and balanced nutrition are also essential. Monitoring changes over time is key; an expanding waistline may signal increasing abdominal fat even if weight remains stable, while unexplained weight loss should prompt a medical evaluation.
Ultimately, seniors should discuss personalized weight goals with their physicians, taking into account body composition, functional ability, and other health metrics. By looking beyond BMI, families can better support the health and independence of their older loved ones.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
