Overweight men and women who lose at least 5% of their body weight in their early to mid-50s go on to have similar heart health to those who have always maintained a healthy weight, according to a new study from University College London (UCL).
By age 62, both groups showed comparable cholesterol levels, blood pressure and signs of inflammation – all markers associated with strong heart health.
Study Details and Findings
The research, led by Dr Charis Bridger Staatz from UCL's Centre for Longitudinal Studies, examined data from more than 6,000 people born in the UK during one week in 1958. Experts analysed their body mass index (BMI) from their 20s onwards and noted the highest weight each person reached by age 42. The team then looked at whether people had lost or gained at least 5% of their weight by age 50, and if they had maintained this weight difference at 55.
Measurements such as blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammation markers were also analysed. Researchers found that the heart health of those who shed weight by 62 closely resembled those who had never been overweight. People who stayed overweight, or who became overweight, had the worst heart health overall, while those who maintained a healthy weight throughout adulthood had the healthiest hearts.
Expert Commentary
Dr Bridger Staatz said: "Ageing is often framed in terms of inevitable health decline, but our new research shows that this need not be the case. Just a modest reduction in weight in people's 50s may make a real difference to their health, potentially improving their quality of life and reducing their risk of heart issues."
She added: "While obesity prevention strategies rightly place strong emphasis on children and young people, these findings indicate that prevention efforts should also extend to people in their 50s. Although this is often perceived as a stage of life when meaningful health change is no longer possible, our research shows that it's never too late to start making changes to improve your health."
Implications for Weight Management
Co-author Dr Laura Gimeno said: "These results show that the benefits of weight loss may extend beyond short-term weight reduction. Our findings support current interest around expanding access to effective weight loss support, including weight loss medications. They also highlight the importance of reducing further weight gain in midlife, as this was consistently linked to the fastest deterioration in heart and metabolic health."
Dr Bridger Staatz concluded: "Policymakers may wish to consider how weight management support can be offered before older age, while also ensuring that efforts promote a holistic approach to weight management across the life course, including exercise and healthy eating alongside new medications. Slower heart and metabolic ageing may translate into reduced health service need with potential long-term health, social and economic benefits for both the NHS and society."
