According to researchers at the University of California there is a simple approach to improve our health in old age and live longer
– Milan
Nutrition, physical activity, lifestyle: since research on longevity moving faster than ever before, we have found that there are many factors that can contribute to a long life. But it is said that a major change is not necessary to ensure good health over time. Second a study by the University of California at San Diego (UCSD)indeed, it takes very little: being able to maintain a stable weight after the age of 60 ensures greater likelihood of living exceptionally long lives, up to 90 or even 100 years.
Stable weight for long life: the study
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The UCSD study analyzed data from 54,437 postmenopausal women who had participated in a women’s health initiative. The researchers looked at both their short-term and long-term weight changes and compared them to their age. The discovery was that women who maintained a stable weight over time were 1.2 to 2 times more likely to reach the ages of 90 to 100. Conversely, unintentional weight loss was linked to a significant decrease in the likelihood of reaching these milestones.
The Importance of Stable Weight
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The study highlights the importance of maintaining a stable weight, especially for older women: a weight loss of 5% or more would in fact be associated with a 51% lower probability of crossing the threshold of 90 years. Nor does weight gain of 5% or more contribute to longevity. This seems to underline the importance of maintaining a stable weight as a goal for living longer and healthier, according to Aladdin H. Shadyab, study author and faculty member in UCSD’s School of Public Health and Human Longevity Sciences: “Our findings support stable weight as a goal for longevity.” in older women,” she explains.
Intentional vs Unintentional Weight Loss
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The USCD team also evaluated the causes behind weight loss, categorizing it as intentional or unintentional. The discovery in this case was that women who intentionally lost weight they were 17% less likely to reach age 90. Those who unintentionally lost weight instead they were even less likely, often due to reasons such as illness and stress. “If aging women find themselves losing weight when they’re not trying to, it could be a warning sign of health problems and a predictor of shortened longevity,” comments Shadyab.
Conclusions
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Discovery opens a new chapter in understanding longevity: Instead of focusing on weight loss, the emphasis could shift towards maintaining a stable weight. “Rather than focusing on weight loss or gain over age 60, it will be more important to emphasize weight maintenance in those who are generally healthy,” admit the researchers, according to whom maintaining a stable weight is an effective strategy and all overall simple for women (but not only) who aim to live long. But, while it offers valuable insights, it’s good to keep in mind that the study is observational in nature and the results may not apply to everyone. The same researchers admit that diseases must also be taken into consideration when it comes to body weight. And it’s crucial to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice, as individual circumstances can vary (and greatly).
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