By Annette Pinder

According to the National Institutes of Health, a body mass index (BMI) of 23.0 to 29.9 kg/m2 for older adults is associated with optimal longevity. While the World Health Organization defines healthy weight for adults as a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, studies show it may not be ideal for older adults, as individuals in the overweight range (25-29.9) may have lower mortality risks compared to those in the healthy weight range.

Obesity Paradox.

Some research suggests that a higher BMI in older adults, especially those with muscle mass loss, may not necessarily indicate poor health. A BMI between 24 and 31 kg/m² has been linked to the lowest risk of all-cause mortality in older adults.

Muscle Mass and Sarcopenia.

Muscle mass is crucial for health in older adults, and sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and strength with age, can affect mobility, balance, and overall health, even if their BMI is in the healthy range. Johns Hopkins Medicine says skeletal muscle weight begins to shrink in people as early as in their 30s. By the time the person is in their 70s, they may have only half the muscle weight they did in their 20s. Since muscle weighs more than fat, a person with a healthy BMI who has lost muscle mass and replaced it with fat may not be as healthy as their BMI would indicate.”

Individualized Approach.

Factors like physical and cognitive abilities, co-morbidities, and individual preferences are important when assessing weight management for older adults. Also, since BMI was originally established for individuals of European ancestry, BMI numbers aren’t always accurate for all ethnicities. Studies show adults with the lowest risk of earlier deaths had BMIs of 27 to 27.9.