Midlife weight reduction linked to extended, healthier lifespan, according to recent research
A new study conducted by the University of Helsinki has found that sustainable midlife weight loss achieved through lifestyle changes can lead to significant health improvements beyond the prevention of diabetes. The study, which was based on data from three previous cohort studies, found that weight loss in middle age can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower all-cause mortality, decrease the risk of certain cancers, improve bone health, and potentially reduce the risk of dementia.
The participants were grouped based on their starting weight and body mass indices (BMIs), and their weight journey over the course of the studies - whether they lost weight, maintained the weight loss, or gained the weight back. Those who lost 6.5% of their body weight had a lower risk of developing several chronic diseases. The maintenance of weight loss was key to achieving the best health outcomes.
The study found that midlife weight loss was associated with a lower risk of several serious health concerns, including type 2 diabetes, stroke, cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It was noted that unlike participants in the study, individuals undergoing surgical or pharmacological interventions predominantly have obesity and are at higher health risk.
The findings indicate that sustainable midlife weight loss achieved via lifestyle changes affects multiple pathways, leading to broad health benefits. For instance, cardiovascular disease risk decreases, contributing to improved heart health and reduced mortality from these conditions. All-cause mortality risk is lowered, meaning overall longevity is positively impacted by weight loss in midlife.
Cancer risk may be reduced as maintaining a healthy weight and physical activity are associated with lower risks of various cancers. Bone health improves, particularly important in postmenopausal women, where weight loss combined with lifestyle changes like resistance exercise helps reduce osteoporosis risk. Potential reduction in dementia risk is linked to maintaining healthy weight and engaging in physical activity.
Lifestyle changes that focus on body composition, such as gaining muscle while losing fat, improve metabolic health and reduce disease risk beyond simply reducing weight. Dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet, often a part of weight loss lifestyle changes, can modulate aging mechanisms and may slow age-related decline by reducing genomic instability and promoting neuroprotection, which indirectly supports long-term brain health.
However, it remains uncertain whether the long-term benefits observed in the study extend to weight loss interventions where greater weight loss may be accompanied by a significant loss of lean body mass.
Professor Timo Strandberg, involved in the study, expressed hope that the findings would inspire people to see the potential for major health improvements and a longer life through lifestyle changes. He noted that more people are overweight today compared to when the collection of the research data began 35 years ago.
The datasets included information on over 23,000 participants between the ages of 30 and 50. The study was conducted before weight loss surgery had grown in popularity and before the availability of weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
References:
[1] Strandberg, T., et al. (2021). Midlife weight loss and long-term health benefits: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. Journal of Internal Medicine.
[2] Avenell, A., et al. (2011). Body composition and metabolic health: A systematic review and meta-analysis of changes in body composition in response to weight loss in adults. Obesity Reviews.
[3] Feskens, E. J., et al. (2017). The impact of weight loss on cancer risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. BMJ.
[4] Sieri, S., et al. (2016). Mediterranean diet in relation to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review. Neurology.
- Sustainable midlife weight loss, achieved through lifestyle changes, can lead to significant reductions in the risk of developing chronic diseases.
- Weight loss in middle age can contribute to improved heart health by decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and lowering all-cause mortality.
- By focusing on body composition and dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet, individuals can improve their metabolic health and potentially reduce the risk of dementia and other diseases.
- The study's findings suggest that while there are long-term health benefits from midlife weight loss, it remains unclear if the benefits extend to weight loss interventions where significant lean body mass may be lost.
