The Link Between Your Weight and Health in Your 50s and 60s

As adults age, their bodies accumulate more fat and lose muscle, leading to higher odds of developing health problems such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea. Doctors use the BMI scale to determine whether someone is underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obese. However, a recent study found that the best BMI for health for those over age 65 is 27 to 28 in men and 31 to 32 for women, referred to as the obesity paradox. It's important to pay attention to where you're carrying those pounds, as visceral fat in the abdominal cavity can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.