Being overweight associated with long-term adverse health consequences — study

AMMAN — A recent study suggested that being overweight during one’s middle ages could cost a person years of their life. 

The study, titled “Association of Body Mass Index in Midlife with Morbidity Burden in Older Adulthood and Longevity”, was published on March 15 by the Jama Network Magazine. 

From the study sample of almost 30,000 adults, researchers from Chicago Northwestern University found that those who had a healthy weight died at an average age of 82.3 years and those who were overweight died at an average age of 82.1. Additionally, those with Type I or II diabetes died at an average age of 80.8 years.

“Obesity is a well-established risk factor for morbidity, including cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and other health conditions,” the study noted, adding that, “higher cumulative morbidity burden in older adulthood was observed among those who were overweight”. 

However, those who were classified as obese, having a body mass index of over 40, lived to an average age of 77 years. 

This is almost five years less than those of healthier weight. Additionally, participants surveyed who were considered moderately obese had roughly two years removed from their life cycle.

The study also suggested that overweight status beginning in midlife is associated with long-term adverse health and economic consequences in the context of similar longevity.

The study found that the BMI of an overweight person in their midlife years when compared with a normal BMI was associated with a higher cumulative burden of morbidity and greater proportion of life lived with morbidity in the context of similar longevity. 

These findings translated to higher total healthcare expenditures in older adulthood for those who were overweight in midlife, read the study.