Is there any scientific basis for the saying “Money can’t buy you slimness in old age”?

Hey, old folks, have you ever heard the old saying, “Money can’t buy you slimness in old age” or “A fortune can’t buy you slimness in old age” (Figure 1)?

Figure 1: Money can’t buy you a slim body in old age

This saying is very popular among the elderly! But is "being thin in old age" the secret to health and longevity or just a misconception?

When people get older, is it better to be thinner or fatter? Let’s talk about this topic today!

1. Why does the old saying go “Money can’t buy you a slim body in old age”?

First of all, we need to understand why being thin in old age is considered an ideal state. There are two main reasons: one is health and longevity, and the other is convenience of movement. In many cultures, being thin is a sign of health and longevity. Moreover, in Chinese, "thin" and "longevity" have the same pronunciation, which sounds like an auspicious word and a good omen. In addition, thin people walk and climb stairs easily and briskly, unlike us fat people who are like carrying two extra bags of rice on our backs, or even "as fat as two people", and pant after walking a few steps.

The three most beautiful words in the world are not "I love you", but "You've lost weight" (especially for those women who are very picky about weight). But wait, being thin does not necessarily mean being healthy! Some elderly people may become very thin due to chronic diseases or malnutrition. Being thin at this time does not guarantee health and longevity. Moreover, being too thin may also lead to problems such as decreased immunity and osteoporosis.

What problems do our chubby old people face? Hey, there are so many! Obesity is considered a common problem that threatens life and health around the world. It increases the risk of many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Moreover, obesity may make joint pain, fractures, breathing difficulties and other problems more serious.

Therefore, being thin or fat is associated with a healthy life span. Being thin or fat has its own advantages (Figure 2); there is no need to argue about one or the other. Being fat is not your fault, but it is wrong to insist on walking in narrow places.

Figure 2: Fat and thin bodies have their own advantages

2. Scientific research on weight problems in the elderly

First, let’s understand what “fat” means and what “thin” means.

Body Mass Index (BMI), also known as body mass index, is an internationally used standard for measuring a person's fatness and health.

The calculation formula is: BMI=weight÷height2.

Among them, the unit of weight is kg, the unit of height is m, so the unit of BMI is kg/㎡.

There are different standards for grading fatness and thinness based on BMI, but they are basically the same. Generally, fatness and thinness can be judged according to the following standards.

If BMI is less than 18.5 kg/㎡, malnutrition may occur;

BMI=18.5~23.9㎏/㎡, standard weight;

BMI>24kg/㎡, overweight;

BMI>28 kg/㎡, mild obesity;

BMI>32 kg/㎡, moderate obesity;

BMI>37kg/㎡, severe obesity.

For example, an old man weighs 71 kg and is 1.6 m tall, so his BMI is 27.73 kg/m2. This is obviously overweight and close to obesity!

Scientific research provides us with valuable information about the relationship between weight and health in the elderly. A study published in the Chinese Journal of Geriatrics shows that being a little "fat" helps the elderly stay healthy longer. Too low a BMI is an important factor affecting the decline of various functions. People who are overweight or mildly obese have better functional status. Compared with the standard BMI group, the risk of abnormal physical function in the low BMI group is 1.5 to 2.1 times that of the former, and the overweight group is comparable to the former. The risk of decline in cognitive function and grip strength in the mildly obese group is significantly reduced, and the ability of the obese group to carry out daily activities is significantly reduced.

For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that being slightly overweight may help improve survival rates for people over 70 years old, because a moderate amount of body fat can provide energy reserves and help the body cope with disease and stress.

On the contrary, elderly people who are too thin may face higher health risks. A study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that elderly people who are too underweight are more likely to suffer from fractures, decreased immunity and malnutrition.

These studies all emphasize the importance of maintaining a proper body weight, especially in old age. It can be seen that it is healthier for the elderly to "stock up" a little meat on their bodies.

3. Biomechanical issues regarding “money can’t buy you a slim body in old age”

From a biomechanical perspective, the phenomenon of "slimming with aging" is related to changes in the distribution of bones, muscles, and fat in the human body. With aging, bone density may decrease, muscle mass may decrease, and fat distribution may change. These changes may affect the physical function and weight of older people.

(1) Changes in bone density. As we age, bone density may decrease, leading to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis makes bones more fragile and more prone to fractures. Fractures not only cause pain and discomfort, but may also affect daily activities and quality of life.

A study published in the journal Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Density found that older adults who were heavier had higher bone density. This suggests that proper weight helps maintain bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is important for maintaining bone density and preventing fractures.

(2) Loss of muscle mass. As we age, we may lose muscle mass, leading to decreased muscle strength and endurance. Muscle is an important component of the human body and is essential for maintaining body weight and physical function.

A study published in the journal Muscle & Strength shows that muscle mass in older adults is positively correlated with their weight. This means that maintaining a healthy weight helps maintain muscle mass, which in turn enhances physical function and improves quality of life. Therefore, moderate exercise and a proper diet can help maintain muscle mass and enhance physical function.

(3) Changes in fat distribution. As we age, fat distribution may change, leading to abdominal obesity. Abdominal obesity is associated with a variety of chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Therefore, through a proper diet and exercise, fat distribution can be controlled and the risk of chronic diseases can be reduced.

This also reminds us that when elderly people gain weight, they should not increase their fat content, that is, they should not increase the fat on their body, but they should increase their muscles, that is, lean meat.

(4) The role of biomechanics in weight management. Biomechanics plays an important role in weight management in the elderly. By understanding the changes in bone, muscle, and fat distribution, we can better formulate personalized weight management strategies.

A study published in the journal Sports Medicine shows that moderate resistance exercise can significantly increase muscle mass in the elderly. Through strength training and resistance exercise, muscle strength and endurance can be enhanced; through aerobic exercise and flexibility training, cardiopulmonary function and body flexibility can be improved. Therefore, this emphasizes the importance of exercise in maintaining muscle mass and enhancing physical function.

4. Summary

The old saying "Money can't buy you a thin body in old age" has been around for a long time. But scientific research shows that being thin is not the secret to longevity. The weight problem of the elderly is not simply a matter of "fat" or "thin", but needs to be considered comprehensively based on the individual's health status and body functions. From a biomechanical point of view, the phenomenon of "being thin in old age" is related to changes in the distribution of bones, muscles and fat in the human body, and in turn to the functions of various parts of the human body such as the motor system and circulatory system. Maintaining a moderate weight, that is, a suitable BMI value, is very important for maintaining the health and quality of life of the elderly.

Weight issues in the elderly are a multi-dimensional challenge that requires comprehensive consideration of nutrition, exercise, lifestyle, and social support. A balanced diet, moderate exercise, and adequate sleep are key factors. In addition, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake also have a positive impact on healthy weight. By maintaining a healthy weight, the elderly can enjoy better health and quality of life, extend their lifespan, and enjoy a golden old age.

Elderly people should put on some weight and be a little fatter, as they will be healthier and live longer than if they are thin.

I have summed up the "golden rule" in eight words: fat but not obese, thin but not skinny.

I wish all the elderly people in the world good health and longevity!