Woman Who Maintain Weight Twice As Likely To Live Past 90
Gaining weight as we get older is a common problem and it’s often recommended that women lose weight to help increase their lifespan. But a new study finds that women who either gain or lose weight after the age of 60 are less likely to live into their 90s than women who maintain a stable weight.
As if you needed another reason to lose the weight and keep it off. Keeping weight off has many benefits beyond just looking good. It’s important for your physical and mental health. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can reduce your risk of chronic diseases, increase your energy levels, improve your sleep quality, and boost your self-confidence.
But wait, there’s more!
According to Study Finds, researchers from the University of California San Diego analyzed data from more than 54-thousand women taking part in the Women’s Health Initiative. They found that women over 60 who maintained their weight were 1.2 to 2 times more likely to reach “exceptional longevity,” which is defined as living past the age of 90. Women who lose weight without trying were 51% less likely to live to 90, while women who gain 5% or more in weight were also less likely to have exceptional longevity.
“If aging women find themselves losing weight when they are not trying to lose weight, this could be a warning sign of ill health and a predictor of decreased longevity,” explains lead study author Dr. Aladdin Shadyab. “It is very common for older women in the United States to experience being overweight or obesity with a body mass index range of 25 to 35. Our findings support stable weight as a goal for longevity in older women.”
Working out can be a lot of fun if you approach it with a positive attitude and a willingness to try new things. I love my Peloton (which, by the way, has more classes than just cycling), playing tennis, stand-up paddle boarding, and hot yoga classes. However, there at tons of ways to exercise, without feeling like you’re working out! You just have to find what works for you.
