A recent study suggests that losing weight during middle age might be the key to lengthening life and improving overall health.
The University of Helsinki has released a study that finds sustained weight loss in midlife through lifestyle changes is associated with substantial long-term health benefits beyond just reducing the risk of diabetes [1][4].
The study, which analysed data from three previous cohort studies, including the Whitehall II study (1985-1988), the Helsinki Businessmen Study (1964-1973), and the Finnish Public Sector study (2000-2013), looked at over 23,000 participants between the ages of 30 and 50, and their heights and weights were taken at various points throughout the studies [2].
The researchers grouped the participants based on their starting weight and body mass indices (BMIs), and then their weight journey over the course of their studies - whether they lost weight, maintained the weight loss, or gained the weight back [3]. Participants who lost 6.5% of their body weight had a lower risk of developing several chronic diseases and a lower risk of all-cause mortality [4].
Although the study emphasizes diabetes as a key benefit area, it also highlights broader advantages such as reduced risks for cardiovascular diseases and overall prolonged life expectancy linked to midlife weight loss through lifestyle modifications [1][4]. These benefits arise from healthier body weight trajectories initiated in midlife, which influence future disease development and complications [3].
It is important to note that some analyses show weight loss related to cognitive decline risk, but this likely pertains to unintentional weight loss in older adults rather than intentional lifestyle-driven weight loss in midlife [5]. Hence, intentional midlife weight loss remains beneficial for long-term health beyond just diabetes prevention.
Professor Timo Strandberg, one of the researchers involved in the study, said in a news release that the benefits of lifestyle-based weight management are widely discussed, even though studies have found it surprisingly difficult to demonstrate health benefits beyond the prevention of diabetes [6]. The findings indicate that lifestyle changes can also be effective in promoting health benefits, although the weight loss was more modest compared to surgical or pharmacological interventions [6].
The researchers wrote that despite the more modest weight loss observed in the study, the findings highlight clinically meaningful long-term health benefits in the general population [6]. However, it remains uncertain whether the long-term benefits observed in the study extend to interventions where greater weight loss may be accompanied by a concurrent and potentially significant loss of lean body mass.
In conclusion, the University of Helsinki study supports that midlife weight loss from lifestyle changes reduces chronic diseases such as cardiovascular issues and contributes to a longer, healthier lifespan independent of diabetes control [1][4]. The benefits of intentional weight loss in midlife through lifestyle changes are clear and should not be overlooked.
References: [1] Strandberg, T., et al. (2022). Midlife weight loss and long-term health benefits in the general population: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 10(1), 14-25. [2] Strandberg, T., et al. (2022). Midlife weight loss and long-term health benefits in the general population: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 10(1), 14-25. [3] Strandberg, T., et al. (2022). Midlife weight loss and long-term health benefits in the general population: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 10(1), 14-25. [4] Strandberg, T., et al. (2022). Midlife weight loss and long-term health benefits in the general population: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 10(1), 14-25. [5] Strandberg, T., et al. (2022). Midlife weight loss and long-term health benefits in the general population: A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 10(1), 14-25. [6] University of Helsinki. (2022, February 1). Sustained weight loss in midlife through lifestyle changes is associated with substantial long-term health benefits beyond just reducing the risk of diabetes. EurekAlert!, Retrieved February 1, 2022, from https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2022-02/uoh-swl020122.php
A balanced diet, supported by regular fitness and exercise, contributes to a healthy-diets strategy, which is one of the key elements of the lifestyle changes that promote weight loss in midlife [1]. This weight loss can lead to a lower risk of developing chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases, implying a broad improvement in overall health and wellness [1]. Moreover, the study suggests that intentional weight loss in midlife through such lifestyle changes can also contribute to weight management and extended life expectancy [4].
