Losing Just 6.5% Body Weight in Midlife May Reduce Risk of Disease and Early Death, Study Finds

HELSINKI:A new study led by researchers at the **University of Helsinki** reveals that **losing just 6.5% of body weight during midlife** — without the aid of medications or surgery — can significantly **reduce the risk of chronic disease and early mortality**.

Published in **JAMA Network Open**, the study analyzed health data from around **23,000 adults** who were first assessed in the **1960s**. Participants were grouped by changes in their **Body Mass Index (BMI)** — those who gained weight, lost weight, or maintained it. Researchers then tracked the participants’ **hospitalizations and mortality records over the following 35 years**.

The findings, led by **Professor Timo Strandberg**, a specialist in geriatric medicine, indicate that individuals who **naturally reduced their body weight by approximately 6.5%** experienced **notable long-term health benefits**. These included **lower rates of heart attacks, strokes, cancers, asthma**, and **chronic lung diseases like COPD**.

Significantly, the weight loss occurred **before the availability of modern weight-loss medications and bariatric surgery**, suggesting that **dietary improvements and increased physical activity** were likely responsible for the health gains.

Professor Strandberg noted that while **losing weight in midlife without medical intervention can be challenging**, the study underscores that **even modest, natural weight reduction** can lead to **substantial long-term health improvements and extended life expectancy**.