Research
Mixed
The mortality risk associated with high BMI is significantly attenuated in individuals aged 65 years or older, suggesting that strict weight control may be less critical for longevity in the elderly.
If you are over 65, you do not need to aggressively pursue a BMI below 25. This study found no increased mortality risk for those over 65 with a BMI above 25. Focus on overall health and function rather than strict weight loss, as being slightly heavier may not be harmful and could be protective.
StrongQualifiesHIGH confidence
An increase in BMI to more than 25.0 was not associated with an increased risk of death from any cause among men or women who were 65 years or older at baseline.
Why this rating
Large sample size allows for robust subgroup analysis by age.
Source
Body-Mass Index and Mortality in Korean Men and Women
Sun Ha Jee et al. · New England Journal of Medicine · 2006
DOI 10.1056/nejmoa054017
cohort · n=1213829Cited 852×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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