Study links weight loss in older adults to higher risk of early death.

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that weight loss in older adults may increase their risk of death, especially among older men. The study looked at 16,703 adults who were 70 years old or older in Australia and 2,411 adults in the United States who were 65 or older. The study ultimately found that there is a “significant association” between minor weight loss of more than five percent and mortality. The weight loss could be associated with a higher risk of a cancer diagnosis and a higher mortality risk with cardiovascular disease and other life-limiting conditions.