Association of body mass index (BMI) with mortality and health‐related quality of life among 4.4 million adults: Evidence from a nationwide, population‐based, prospective cohort study
Authors' conclusion
We found distinct ranges of BMI for minimized mortality risk and maximized HRQL. The BMI range corresponding to the HRQL is lower than the BMI range corresponding to the lowest risk of death generally. Therefore, it is worth considering how to define the new recommended range for a new BMI based on the goal of 'living a longer and healthier life'.
Study context
- Population
- Adults in ChinaHEART, 20,159 communities or villages; mean age 56.4 ± 10.0 years, 59.0% female
- Participants
- 4,485,773 adults
- Exposure
- BMI per 1 kg/m² increase
- Outcome
- All-cause and cause-specific mortality; HRQL
Methodological detailsnationwide, population-based
- Nationwide
- Population-based
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Deaths from all causes
142 004
HR per 1 kg/m² increase in BMI below the turning point
0.92
95% CI 0.92–0.93
HR per 1 kg/m² increase in BMI above the turning point
1.03
95% CI 1.03–1.04
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Health-related quality of life (HRQL) (inverted J-shape, peak 22-23 kg/m²)
- OR per 1 kg/m² increase in BMI below 22-23 kg/m²
- 0.98 (95% CI 0.98, 0.99)
- OR per 1 kg/m² increase in BMI above 22-23 kg/m²
- 1.03 (95% CI 1.03-1.03)
Original publication
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