URI STUDY REVEALS HOW WAIST SIZE AND BODY MASS INDEX ARE ASSOCIATED WITH MORTALITY IN OLDER ADULTS

KINGSTON, R.I., Sept. 10 -- The University of Rhode Island issued the following news release:

KINGSTON, R.I. - Sept. 10, 2026 - A longitudinal study led by University of Rhode Island researchers found that waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) provide distinct and complementary information about mortality risk among older adults. Previous studies examining BMI among older adults have produced seemingly conflicting findings regarding mortality risk.

This study used data collected from 2011-2024 from 6,905 adults aged 65 or older who participated in the National Health and Aging Trends Study. By considering repeated measurements of BMI and waist circumference together, the researchers developed a fuller picture of their associations...