High Body Fat More Important than BMI for Mortality Risk

Body fat percentage influences mortality more than BMI, according to a study published online in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Researchers measured body fat percentages at baseline and followed mortality rates over time for more than 54,000 participants over the age of 40. Low BMIs and high body fat percentages were associated with increased all-cause mortality, compared with those who had lower body fat percentages. Researchers stress that clinicians should consider both BMI and body fat percentages in their diagnoses, as body fat percentages may better reflect the overall health status of patients.