After 40, Gaining or Losing Weight Is a Problem... "Weight Change = Mortality Risk"

Samsung Seoul Hospital Research Team Analyzes 640,000 People
If Significant Weight Change Occurs Without Clear Reason, Seek Consultation

A study has found that after the age of 40, even rapid weight changes can increase the risk of death, so caution is necessary.

On the 24th, a joint research team consisting of Professors Kim Jae-hyun and Kim Gyu-ri from the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Samsung Medical Center, and Professor Kwon So-yoon from the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism at Daegu Catholic University Hospital, tracked 645,260 adults aged 40 to 80 who underwent national health screenings from 2009 to 2012 for an average of 8.4 years. They confirmed that rapid weight changes after middle age are associated with an increased risk of death from all causes.

The study results were published in the recent issue of the International Diabetes Federation's journal, Diabetes Research And Clinical Practice.

According to the paper, if weight decreased or increased by more than 3% within two years from the initial health screening, the risk of death increased. This value was adjusted for factors that could affect mortality after middle age, including age, sex, smoking, exercise, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Notably, the risk of death showed a 'U-shaped' pattern, increasing as weight changes reached either extreme.

If weight decreases by more than 8% within 2 years, risk of death increases 2.05 times

According to the study, if weight decreases or increases by 3% or more within two years based on the initial health checkup, the risk of death increases.
[Photo by Pixabay]

The research team estimated that the risk of death for those whose weight decreased by more than 8% within two years was 2.05 times higher compared to those whose weight remained within 3%. They also analyzed that the risk of death increased 1.6 times when weight increased by more than 8%.

This trend was consistent even when causes of death were further subdivided. For example, cancer patients whose weight decreased by more than 8% had a 1.43 times higher risk of death, and those whose weight increased by more than 8% had a 1.34 times higher risk.

The study also observed that mental illnesses, accidents, and injuries accompanied by weight changes were associated with increased mortality risk.

The research team stated, "When weight decreases, muscle mass also reduces, which naturally increases the risk of death. However, the increase in mortality risk with weight gain indicates that metabolic diseases themselves are significant threats leading to death. If there is a large weight change after middle age without a clear reason, it is advisable to consult a specialist and aim for slow and stable changes."