Interesting article in Journal Watch. There is increasing evidence that for each unit an individuals BMI increased (over the baseline of >25 kg/m2) the odds for disease-free survival at age 70 decreased by 12%.
The article specifically focused on the following data;
"More than 17,000 women who were healthy at NHS enrollment in 1976 (mean baseline age, 50) and who survived beyond age 70 were included in the study. About 1700 women were still healthy at age 70. After adjustment for confounders, increasing BMI at baseline was associated inversely with odds for healthy survival beyond age 70. For example, women who were obese at baseline had 79% lower odds for healthy survival than did lean women. For every 1 unit of BMI >25, odds for healthy survival decreased by 12%. Also, women who reported gaining weight from age 18 to midlife had less chance for healthy survival than did women whose weight was stable. For every 1 kg of weight gained since age 18, odds for healthy survival were reduced by 5%. Unsurprisingly, healthy survival was lowest among women who were overweight at baseline and who gained 10 kg."
This evidence suggests that obesity is associated with premature deaths. However, the mortality effect on those that actually survive to old age is not clearly understood. Although from an underwriting perspective, we tend to view seniors with a slightly higher BMI as more "robust" individuals and less prone to succumb to acute illnesses.
Underwriting Term Du Jour: BMI- Body Mass Index
Easy Calculation: BMI= (Weight in pounds / [height in inches x height in inches]) x 703
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