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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Losing just 6 kg in your 40s could lower your risk of disease and add years to your life: Study
You might think that once you hit your 40s, it's too late to lose weight and make a real difference but a massive Finnish study tracking over 23,000 people for up to 35 years says otherwise. The research found that adults who lost weight naturally during their 40s without surgery or weight-loss meds lived longer and enjoyed better health than those who stayed overweight. Even small amounts of weight loss had a positive impact, proving it's never too late to take control of your health. (Also read: What women should really eat: Nutritionist busts 16 common diet and weight loss myths every woman should know ) A recent study published in JAMA Network Open revealed that people who moved from being overweight to a healthy weight during midlife experienced a 48% lower risk of chronic diseases and a 19 percent lower risk of death in the following decades. The weight loss didn't have to be drastic either, on average, participants lost just 6.5 percent of their body weight, which is about 13 pounds for someone weighing 200 pounds. This study tracked participants for 22 to 35 years, using data from British and Finnish workers. They were grouped by weight changes in their 40s: healthy weight, weight loss, weight gain, or staying overweight. Although small, the weight loss group showed significant health benefits. Over time, losing weight lowered risks of heart disease, cancer, strokes, asthma, and lung disease, even when diabetes was excluded, compared to those who stayed overweight. The study's timing is key, conducted when surgical and drug-based weight-loss options were rare, participants relied on diet and exercise alone, proving these accessible methods work. Lead author Dr. Timo Strandberg noted the benefits of midlife weight loss may take decades to show, echoing similar long-term findings from Chinese research. Those who lost weight also saw lower blood pressure and cholesterol and kept up their physical activity, unlike other groups whose activity declined. Maintaining weight loss over time is tough, in these studies, over 1,200 participants stayed overweight, while only a small fraction managed to lose weight and keep it off. Many research reports highlight how challenging long-term weight management really is for adults. However, the findings mostly apply to white European populations, so their relevance to other ethnic groups might vary. The researchers also couldn't confirm whether the weight loss was intentional, though it likely was given the participants' age and health. Many expect weight loss benefits to show up quickly and dramatically, but this study says otherwise. The biggest health gains from losing weight in midlife may take decades to appear. Knowing this can encourage those starting their journey now while helping set realistic expectations. For those in their 40s carrying extra weight, the message is clear: it's never too late to make a change. Even modest, steady weight loss can bring lasting health benefits, adding years and vitality to life. Instead of seeing midlife as too late for change, it could be the ideal time to invest in your future health. Though losing weight can become harder with age, the potential rewards in disease prevention and longevity make the effort well worth it.
UPI
2 days ago
- Health
- UPI
Study: Weight loss in middle age might add years to your life
Losing just 6.5% of body weight in midlife may lower later risk of disease and premature death, new research shows. Photo by Adobe Stock/HealthDay News Losing just 6.5% of body weight in midlife may lower later risk of disease and premature death, new research shows. Researchers found that people who lost about 6.5% of their body weight -- without using weight loss drugs or surgery -- reaped big health benefits later in life, CNN reported. For someone who weighs 180 pounds, that's just shy of a 12-pound weight loss. "Although correcting midlife overweight without surgical or pharmacological treatment is challenging, our results suggest that it is feasible and may be associated with decreased long-term risk of cardiovascular diseases, other chronic conditions, and mortality outcomes associated with overweight," the study, led by Dr. Timo Strandberg, a professor of geriatric medicine at the University of Helsinki in Finland, concluded. Published Tuesday in JAMA Network Open, it looked at data from nearly 23,000 adults across three time periods, going back to the 1960s. Researchers grouped folks based on their body mass index (BMI) at the start and whether they gained, lost or maintained weight. (BMI is an estimate of body fat based on height and weight.) Then, they checked hospital and death records. People who lost weight were less likely to suffer from heart attacks, strokes, cancer, asthma and lung diseases like COPD, the study found. They were also less likely to die from any cause over the next 35 years. It's worth noting that this weight loss happened before popular weight loss medications and surgeries were available. That means most of the health improvements likely came from diet and exercise changes. "The study is important because it provides evidence of the relationship between weight loss and both cardiovascular disease and mortality, which hasn't been studied enough," Dr. Aayush Visari, a clinical researcher at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey, told CNN. But both Visaria and Strandberg noted that BMI, used in the study to track people's weight, is an imperfect measure. BMI doesn't show where fat is stored or how much muscle someone has, which can affect health risks. Other research has shown that belly fat and fat around organs may matter more than overall weight. "There's so many variables that might play into how someone's body composition changes, even though maybe their weight might not change as much," Visaria said. While this study couldn't prove that weight loss alone caused the health benefits, the lifestyle changes that led to it -- like healthier eating and more exercise -- also likely played a big role. Experts recommend aiming for 150 minutes of moderate exercise (like walking or biking) each week, plus two days of muscle-strengthening activities. Eating a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, veggies, nuts and olive oil can also help, CNN reported. Lifestyle is always important when it comes to good health, meaning that you should strive to eat nutritious foods and be active even if you are using weight loss medications, Visaria added. Strandberg said society also needs to make it easier for people to access healthy food and places to be active. More information The Mayo Clinic has more on the benefits of regular physical activity. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
