According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, weight loss in older adults, particularly among men, is linked to early death. On the other hand, weight gain was not significantly associated with mortality among men. The study looked at nearly 16,523 adults at least 70 years old in Australia and more than 2,000 adults in the US who were at least 65 years old.

The findings of the study showed that weight loss of 5 to 10% was associated with a 33% increase in the rate of mortality, whereas weight loss of more than 10% was associated with a 289% increase in the rate of mortality. The researchers also observed that the changes in body size were also linked with increased mortality risk in elderly women.

In the female population, weight loss of 5 to 10% and more than 10% was associated with an increased risk of mortality of 26% and 114%, respectively. The researchers explained that the weight loss associated with mortality among men can be linked to the difference in the body composition of men and women. Since a higher proportion of body mass consists of muscle and bone mass for men, whereas for women, a higher proportion of body mass is composed of fat.

The author of the study also noted that it is a well-known fact that weight loss is an early indicator of various life-shortening diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Hence, he corrected the findings with the fact and stated that weight loss can be associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality, such as an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other life-limiting conditions. 

(Source: https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1069215 )