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Associations with weight loss and subsequent mortality risk
Michael D Knudtson1, Barbara E K Klein, Ronald Klein
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, WI 53726-2336, USA. knudtson@epi.ophth.wisc.edu
Annals of Epidemiology
|July 21, 2005
Summary
Unexplained weight loss in older adults significantly increases mortality risk over 10 years. This association highlights weight loss as a potential indicator of longevity risks in populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Significant weight loss is prevalent in older adults.
- Weight loss in this demographic is linked to increased mortality risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between weight loss and mortality in a population-based study.
- To determine if weight loss is an independent risk factor for mortality in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin (n=4926) conducted between 1988-1990.
- Data collected via medical examination and standardized questionnaires.
- Weight loss defined as percent loss from highest lifetime weight to baseline measured weight.
Main Results:
- Weight loss correlated with older age, diabetes, lower blood pressure, and lower serum total cholesterol.
- Increased mortality observed over 10+ years for both men (HR 1.16) and women (HR 1.23) with greater weight loss, after adjusting for confounders.
- Stratified analyses showed consistent, though not always statistically significant, trends across age, body mass index, smoking, and disease status.
Conclusions:
- Involuntary weight loss is strongly associated with increased mortality.
- Weight loss can serve as a valuable metric for estimating population longevity risks.