Research
Energy balance
Waist circumference (WC) is a superior predictor of metabolic risk and mortality in the elderly compared to Body Mass Index (BMI), which is confounded by age-related height loss and muscle loss.
Stop relying solely on BMI if you are over 65. Measure your waist circumference instead, as it better reflects the visceral fat that drives diabetes and heart disease risk in older age.
StrongRefutesHIGH confidence
The observation that the BMI value associated with the lowest relative mortality is slightly higher in older than in younger adults has often been misinterpreted that obesity is not as harmful in the elderly. BMI may be a less appropriate index in the elderly.
Why this rating
Supported by multiple longitudinal studies and secondary analyses cited in the text.
Source
Obesity and weight management in the elderly
Thang S. Han et al. · British Medical Bulletin · 2011
DOI 10.1093/bmb/ldr002
narrative_reviewCited 329×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Modest intentional weight loss (5–10 kg) combined with exercise and calorie restriction is the optimal intervention for reducing fat mass and preserving muscle mass in elderly individuals with sarcopenic obesity.Good
- Intentional weight loss in the elderly yields clinical benefits and quality of life improvements, whereas unintentional weight loss is associated with increased mortality and poor prognosis.Good
Related findings · Energy balance
- Achieving a total body weight loss of 10-15% (or >10-15 kg) through Total Diet Replacement (TDR) induces remission of Type 2 Diabetes in individuals with short-duration disease.Strong
- Bariatric surgery is superior to medical management alone for inducing significant long-term weight loss, remission of type 2 diabetes, and reduction in mortality for patients with BMI ≥ 40 or ≥ 35 with comorbidities.Strong
- Achieving type 2 diabetes remission requires significant weight loss (≥15 kg) via major caloric restriction, independent of macronutrient composition.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →