Body Weight Changes and Longevity
Author Information
Author(s): Ukraintseva Svetlana, Duan Hongzhe, Holmes Rachel, Arbeev Konstantin, Yashin Anatoliy
Primary Institution: Duke University
Hypothesis
Can age-related changes in body weight predict extreme longevity?
Conclusion
Individuals who live beyond age 95 tend to reach their maximum weight later and experience a slower decline in weight, which are indicators of better survival and longevity.
Supporting Evidence
- Individuals who lived beyond age 95 reached their maximum weight about 15 years later than those with a conventional lifespan.
- A slower decline in weight is associated with better survival after age 80.
- Patterns of long-term changes in body weight can serve as biomarkers of aging and longevity.
Takeaway
If you weigh less as you get older, it might mean you won't live as long, but if you can keep your weight stable longer, you might live a lot longer!
Methodology
The study compared weight trajectories over approximately 50 years between participants who survived beyond age 95 and those who died before age 85.
Participant Demographics
Participants from the Framingham Heart Study.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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