Around what BMI did older adult patients have the lowest risk of mortality?

Around what BMI did older adult patients have the lowest risk of mortality?

• A. 22 kg/m2
• B. 27 kg/m2
• C. 31 kg/m2
• D. 35 kg/m2

Answer: (B)

In older adults, mortality risk often follows a J- or U-shaped pattern with BMI. Being underweight is linked to higher mortality due to frailty and malnutrition, while very high BMI carries its own risks from cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, many studies show the lowest mortality around the overweight range, roughly the high 20s. About 27 kg/m2 sits in that zone where extra energy reserves and better nutritional status can be protective during illness, without the higher risks seen at more elevated BMIs. So, around 27 kg/m2 best corresponds to the minimal mortality risk in older populations.

In older adults, mortality risk often follows a J- or U-shaped pattern with BMI. Being underweight is linked to higher mortality due to frailty and malnutrition, while very high BMI carries its own risks from cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, many studies show the lowest mortality around the overweight range, roughly the high 20s. About 27 kg/m2 sits in that zone where extra energy reserves and better nutritional status can be protective during illness, without the higher risks seen at more elevated BMIs. So, around 27 kg/m2 best corresponds to the minimal mortality risk in older populations.