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Longevity, mortality and body weight.

Thomas T Samaras1, Lowell H Storms, Harold Elrick

  • 1Reventropy Associates, 11487 Madera Rosa Way, San Diego, CA 92124, USA. samarastt@aol.com

Ageing Research Reviews
|September 5, 2002
PubMed
Summary

Higher body weight is linked to shorter life expectancy and increased mortality. This study reveals that increased body mass, from excess fat or lean mass, may reduce longevity and promote chronic diseases.

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Area of Science:

  • Longevity and Mortality Research
  • Obesity and Public Health

Background:

  • Life expectancy has increased due to public health advancements and reduced malnutrition.
  • However, overnourishment and rising body size have led to an epidemic of chronic diseases, potentially reducing maximum lifespan.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the relationship between total body weight and longevity.
  • To investigate the association between absolute body weight and mortality rates.

Main Methods:

  • Searched the MEDLINE database for studies on body weight, longevity, and mortality.
  • Analyzed additional data from US veterans and baseball players.
  • Presented trend lines of age at death versus body weight.

Main Results:

  • Absolute body size is negatively correlated with longevity and life expectancy.
  • Absolute body size is positively correlated with mortality.
  • An average trend line showed a slope of -0.4 years/kg for age at death versus weight.

Conclusions:

  • Increased body mass, including both excess fat and lean mass, is associated with reduced longevity and increased mortality.
  • Differences in body size may contribute to gender disparities in longevity.
  • Biological mechanisms linking increased body mass to reduced longevity and chronic disease are discussed.

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