Gaby
People with a high body mass index (BMI) are more likely to become physically weaker over the years than slimmer peers. New research from the University of Oslo in Norway supports this.
Over more than 20 years, the team tracked a large cohort of men and women aged 45 and older. The results were concerning: participants with excess weight lost strength significantly faster than those with a normal BMI.
What the Researchers Discovered
At the start, the researchers measured BMI and waist circumference in 2,340 women and 2,169 men aged 45 and older. They then tracked changes in participants’ physical condition throughout the study, according to the Independent.
Initially, the team focused on older adults who were underweight. They thought this group faced the greatest risk of physical weakness and greater vulnerability to health problems.
However, the researchers also found substantial evidence of a clear link between obesity and physical weakness within the cohort.
The study, published in the journal BMJ Open, defined physical weakness as several key signs, including poor grip strength, slow walking speed, and exhaustion. People with excess weight also had lower levels of physical activity.
The researchers found that participants with central obesity were significantly more likely to be weaker than those with a normal BMI. As people age, excess abdominal fat appears to harm muscle strength and overall physical function.
Obesity is also linked to metabolic disorders, chronic inflammation, and other age-related conditions that contribute to physical weakness.
The researchers emphasized maintaining a healthy BMI and waist circumference at any age. Doing so helps preserve strength later in life and supports a longer, healthier life.
