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Analysis and Health

Why it's healthy for older people to be slightly overweight

UK dietitians say people over 65 need more fat reserves, but why are they going against most other healthy weight guidelines?

By Clare Wilson

27 November 2023

Older people shouldn’t necessarily limit treat foods, such as ice cream, or opt for low-fat varieties

Nik Taylor / Alamy

The usual healthy weight advice has been torn up for people who are over 65, at least in the UK. People in this age group are now being told that “if you are slightly overweight, losing weight might not actually improve your health”, in the latest advice from the British Dietetic Association (BDA).

While the version of the guidance aimed at the public doesn’t mention body mass index (BMI), which divides someone’s weight in…

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