Researchers find dramatic weight change could increase mortality risk for middle-aged and older people

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SEOUL -- Researchers have found that dramatic weight change could increase the risk of death for people aged 40 and older. The research team said those experiencing such changes of more than three percent of their total weight during a two-year period without any clear reasons are required to visit a doctor and thoroughly check their body.

A joint research team consisting of endocrinologists at Samsung Medical Center and Daegu Catholic University Medical Center has confirmed the result after observing 645,260 adults aged 40 to 80 for an average of 8.4 years, Samsung Medical Center said on May 24. The participants were selected among those who received health checkups from 2009 to 2012.

The medical experts said the mortality risk for people who lost weight by more than 8 percent within two years is 2.05 times higher than others who maintained their weight within three percent. The risk of death elevates by 1.6 times if the weight increases by more than 8 percent.

In cases of cancer patients, the risk was 1.43 percent higher if they lost weight by more than 8 percent. If their weight increases by more than eight percent, the risk becomes 1.34 times higher.

"People who lose weight also lose muscle mass, which is why the mortality risk increases. The fact that the mortality risk increase even in case of weight gain means that metabolic disease is a significant threat that causes death," the research team said. The research was published on the website of Diabetes Research And Clinical Practice, a peer-reviewed journal specializing in diabetes.

Kim Joo-heon jhkim123@ajunews.com

Researchers find dramatic weight change could increase mortality risk for middle-aged and older people

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