Dad who lost weight after retirement... "Warning sign of shortened lifespan" research results

A new study suggests that weight loss in the elderly may have a direct impact on mortality rates.

According to a report by the US-based CNN on the 10th (local time), weight loss experienced by older adults showed a significant correlation with mortality rates. In contrast, weight gain in the elderly had no notable connection with increased mortality. This study was published in 'JAMA Network Open,' a medical journal issued by the American Medical Association (AMA).

The research involved 19,000 adults aged 70 and above. Dr. Monira Hussein Mona Sh from the University of Melbourne in Australia, who led the study, announced that even a 5% weight loss significantly increased mortality rates among the elderly. Medically classified obese individuals also experienced increased mortality rates when they lost weight, rather than a decrease.

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To obtain more objective indicators, the study excluded individuals with cardiovascular disease, dementia, chronic illnesses, and physical disabilities. Patients who had been recently hospitalized were also excluded from the control group due to the possibility of acute illness-related hospitalization.

Dr. Monira stated that weight loss could be a warning sign of undetected cancer and dementia. The body, responding to hidden diseases, activates certain hormones that cause weight loss. She also analyzed that even in the absence of hidden diseases, socially isolated elderly patients inevitably lose weight due to poor lifestyle habits that negatively affect their lifespan.

However, external reviewers pointed out that the study demonstrated a 'correlation' between weight and mortality, but did not prove a 'causal relationship.'

One researcher emphasized, "Although mortality increased among elderly individuals who lost weight, this does not mean that weight loss directly causes death, nor does weight gain in old age imply a reduced risk of death."

Despite the study's limitations, the researcher added that the medical community should pay closer attention to weight changes in elderly patients in the future.

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