British medical experts are challenging the conventional concern over weight for adults aged 65 and above. The British Dietetic Association, supported by a University of Plymouth review, suggests reconsidering the ideal Body Mass Index (BMI) for seniors. While the usual BMI range is 18.5 to 25, the report proposes 25 to 29.9 for seniors, categorizing them as overweight.
The recommendation stems from a 2021 Plymouth study revealing that an overweight BMI doesn’t correlate with adverse mortality outcomes in older adults. Surprisingly, it’s associated with the lowest mortality rates, especially in the elderly. Carrying extra weight might be beneficial for older individuals, as the body’s ability to store energy becomes crucial during illness.
Alison Smith from the British Dietetic Association notes that encouraging weight loss in seniors could compromise resilience during health challenges. The report emphasizes concerns about weight loss’s impact on muscle decline and increased susceptibility to illnesses, challenging traditional BMI targets for seniors.
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Professor Mary Hickson, co-author of the 2021 review, advocates a shift from BMI fixation to a holistic fitness-focused approach for senior well-being. The report encourages a nuanced, individualized perspective on the relationship between weight, health, and ageing.
