After a certain age, pay attention to weight variations. According to an Australian study whose conclusions were published Monday in the medical journal JAMA Open Networkthe weight loss observed in patients 65 years or older may be related to an increased risk of mortality.
Higher risk in men
To reach this conclusion, scientists from Monash University in Melbourne looked at a cohort of 16,523 adults aged 70 and over in Australia for four years, who were weighed each year.
They did not have cardiovascular disease, dementia, disabilities or chronic illnesses and had not recently undergone surgery. In fact, hospitalization can be synonymous with weight loss.
The results are final. Of those observed, 1256 died during the years of follow-up. Among deceased men, loss of 5% to 10% of body weight and loss of more than 10% of body weight were associated with increased mortality of 33% and 289%, respectively.
In women, these figures are less marked but still exist, with an increase in mortality of 26% and 114% for a loss of 5% to 10% of body weight respectively, and a loss of more than 10% of body weight. body weight. .
On the other hand, weight gain does not correlate with excess mortality, these same studies show.
different factors
Monira Hussain, clinical epidemiologist and lead author of this study, explains to CNN that weight loss at this age may be synonymous with underlying health problems, which may affect appetite or metabolism.
“It’s often related to reduced appetite influenced by inflammation and hormones,” she says.
Weight loss can also be caused by the lifestyle of the people studied. “Social isolation is one of the main factors that contribute to weight loss in older adults,” adds the scientist.
In conclusion, Monira Hussain advises the elderly to be aware of weight variations and approach the medical profession if necessary. A warning also addressed to doctors, if they notice weight loss in their older patients.
Source: BFM TV
