Women who achieve exceptional longevity, living to age 90, 95, or even 100, may owe their extended lifespans to a surprising common denominator: maintaining a stable body weight over the course of several decades, according to a study published in the Journals of Gerontology: Series A.
The research, conducted by examining data from 54,437 women who participated in the Women’s Health Initiative, a long-term study initiated in the 1990s, has shed light on the connection between weight stability and longevity. The study cohort consisted of women born on or before February 19, 1932. Researchers tracked their body weight at the commencement of the program, during its third year, and at its tenth year, subsequently following up on their survival status as of February 19, 2022.
The findings revealed that women who managed to maintain a consistent body weight over the years exhibited 1.2 to 2 times greater odds of reaching the age of 90 and beyond compared to those who experienced weight loss.
Specifically, women who lost five percent or more of their body weight during the initial three years of the study faced a 33 percent reduced likelihood of reaching the age of 90, a 35 percent reduced likelihood of reaching 95, and a 38 percent reduced likelihood of reaching 100 when compared to their counterparts who maintained a stable weight.
Another notable factor influencing longevity was the intentionality behind weight loss. Participants who unintentionally shed pounds had a 51 percent lower probability of surviving to age 90 when compared to their peers in the study. Importantly, the study did not find any significant association between gaining weight over the study period and survival to an advanced age.
The implications of this study extend beyond the mere prediction of longevity based on weight stability. The researchers emphasize that implementing blanket recommendations for weight loss in older women is unlikely to result in improved survival at advanced ages. They advocate for further research, particularly aimed at unraveling the intricate links between health issues, weight loss, and their impact on a more diverse racial and ethnic population.