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The influence of age on the BMI and all-cause mortality association: A meta-analysis

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The journal of nutrition, health & aging

Abstract

Objectives

To assess BMI range with the lowest mortality for those aged <65 years and those >65 years, utilising cohort studies that spanned the entire adult age range.

Design

A two-stage random effects meta-analysis of studies that reported mortality in cohorts both ≥65 years and <65 years.

Setting / Participants

Community living adults aged ≥65 and <65 years.

Results

Eight studies were included with a total of 370 416 subjects (306 340 aged <65 years; 64 076 ≥65 years). In the older age group, mortality risk increased at BMIs lower than 22 (BMI range 21.0-21.9: hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 1.05 (1.03, 1.07)), which was not seen in younger adults. In the younger group, mortality increased from BMI range 28.0-28.9 (HR (95% CI): 1.13 (1.00, 1.29)), but mortality did not tend to increase significantly in the older group at BMIs above 23.

Conclusion

The recommended healthy weight range is appropriate for younger and middle aged adults but a higher BMI range should be recommended for older adults based on mortality.

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Appendix 1 Table 1

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia

    J. E. Winter & C. A. Nowson

  2. Cancer Epidemiology Centre, Cancer Council Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    R. J. MacInnis

  3. Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

    R. J. MacInnis

Authors
  1. J. E. Winter
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  2. R. J. MacInnis
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  3. C. A. Nowson
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to J. E. Winter.

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Winter, J.E., MacInnis, R.J. & Nowson, C.A. The influence of age on the BMI and all-cause mortality association: A meta-analysis. J Nutr Health Aging 21, 1254–1258 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-016-0837-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-016-0837-4

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