Several studies have shown that a healthy weight is linked to longevity. Now, researchers have found that maintaining a gradual weight after the age of 60 could bring “exceptional longevity” in women.

In the most recent study published within the Journal of Gerontology, researchers have found that girls who’ve a stable weight after 60 are prone to live longer than 90.

The researchers from the University of California San Diego, who led the study, examined 54,437 participants enrolled within the Women’s Health Initiative, a longitudinal study that investigates the causes of chronic diseases in postmenopausal women.

Through the study, the weights of the participants were recorded at baseline, yr 3, and yr 10. Based on the values, the participants were then classified into three groups: weight reduction (those with greater than 5% decrease from baseline), weight gain (participants with 5% or more increase from baseline), or stable weight (lower than 5% change from baseline).

Out of the whole participants, 30,647 (56% women) showed exceptional longevity–a life expectancy beyond the age of 90.

The findings suggest that those participants who lost or gained 5% or more weight from baseline are less prone to live longer in comparison to those with stable weight. The study was the primary of its kind research that evaluated the impact of weight changes on longevity amongst women.

“It is rather common for older women in the USA to experience obese 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,” Aladdin H. Shadyab, the primary writer of the study, said.

The researchers also found that weight reduction, when it’s unintentional, has a more strong association with reducing longevity beyond 90.

“If aging women find themselves dropping pounds after they usually are not attempting to drop some weight, this might be a warning sign of unwell health and a predictor of decreased longevity,” Shadyab said.

While conventional weight reduction recommendations may not help older women improve their longevity, researchers warn that girls within the age group should still follow medical advice and drop some weight moderately if required to enhance health or quality of life.

Published by Medicaldaily.com