Study shows weight loss in older adults linked to increased risk of death.

A new study shows that weight loss in older adults is associated with early death and life-limiting conditions, while weight gain was not associated with mortality. The study looked at nearly 17,000 adults at least 70 years old in Australia and more than 2,000 adults in the United States who were at least 65 years old. The association was found across starting weights, meaning people who are medically classified as obese also were at an increased risk when losing weight. Weight loss may be a risk factor for mortality because it can signal underlying issues, such as cancer and dementia, and it is often linked to reduced appetite influenced by inflammation and hormones.