Staying Trim in Youth Pays off in Old Age
Staying trim and healthy when young can lead to a healthier, more mobile old age, US researchers say.
Researchers analysed data on more than 2,800 people aged 70 to 79. They found that women and men who were obese at ages 25 and 50, as well as at the time of the study, scored significantly lower in physical performance tests than those who were normal weight at those ages.
The study also found that men and women who were overweight or obese in early- to mid-adulthood had lower scores than those who became overweight or obese in late adult-hood.
The researchers said obesity may lead to joint wear and tear, reduced exercise capacity, and a higher rate of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and arthritis, resulting in physical disability.
The findings suggest that interventions to prevent overweight and obesity in young and middle-age adults may be useful in preventing or delaying the onset of physical disability later.