ON THE DEFINITION OF THE HEALTHIEST BODY WEIGHT FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS

Abstract

Ongoing changes in societies are driving an expanding fraction of the world’s population towards a sedentary and overfed lifestyle. An overwhelming amount of data has linked increased body weight with an increased risk of acquiring a number of major diseases. Gerontologists, in order to extend the life span of laboratory animals, have used caloric restriction successfully for decades. This basic research on animals along with epidemiological data taken from vast human cohorts is cumulatively indicating that reducing one’s body weight should be part of the strategy to increase health and life span while reducing pathologies. What is not a trivial matter is defining the correct weight for each individual. This mini review raises some discussion points regarding this important public health issue.