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Updated: Feb 1, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancements in 3D Optical Imaging for Comprehensive Body Composition Assessment in Modern Research
Published on: June 7, 2024
Body composition and mortality in the general population: A review of epidemiologic studies
Dong Hoon Lee1, Edward L Giovannucci1,2,3
11 Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Impact Statement:
Current understanding of the association of body composition on mortality in the general population is limited. This review evaluated the available epidemiologic studies on body composition and mortality that leveraged diverse approaches to estimate body composition. Although studies showed inconsistent results, there was evidence suggesting that high fat mass and low lean body mass may be independently associated with mortality in the general population. This review may help partially explain the "obesity paradox" phenomenon and facilitate further studies to advance the understanding of the association of body composition on health in the general and patient populations.
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