When a Few Extra Pounds May Be Helpful
You may also need to reconsider what a healthy weight means for you. Some evidence indicates that adults age 65 and older may do better with a body mass index, or BMI, between 23 and 30.
A BMI from 18.5 to 24.9 is generally considered a normal weight for adults over 20.
Research also suggests that older adults who carry a little extra weight may live longer than those who are leaner.
“Being mildly overweight can be protective against frailty for the immune system and musculoskeletal system as we get older,” says Diggins.
Even so, extra weight should not be ignored. Ask your doctor what a healthy weight looks like for you at your current age. “I would rather look at the whole person than make a decision based on BMI alone,” says Dr. Schwartz. “Where the weight is carried, how much there is, and, most importantly, what is happening to muscle and physical function all matter.”
More from Digilifetrends
Retatrutide Outperformed Ozempic on Glucose and Weight Loss in Diabetes Study, Though More Patients Stopped Treatment
Eli Lilly said its experimental medicine retatrutide reduced blood sugar more than Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic at the highest approved dose and led to more than twice the weight loss…
5 min read · Published 2026-10-30Concerned Nuts Might Add Pounds? A Large Review Puts That Idea in Context
Researchers reviewed trials of nuts with different fat profiles to see what changes beyond the number on the scale.
7 min read · Published 2026-10-30A Simple High-Protein Snack You Can Make From a Pantry Essential
Eating well with satisfying, flavorful food does not have to be difficult. Beans are one of the most affordable sources of protein and a pantry staple many people already have on…
2 min read · Published 2026-10-29