From the Guidelines
Yes, weight typically changes throughout different stages of life, with significant variations occurring due to natural shifts in body composition, metabolic rate, and hormonal balance. Infants gain weight rapidly in their first year, while children experience steady growth until adolescence when growth spurts occur. Young adults often maintain relatively stable weight, though many experience gradual increases of 1-2 pounds per year. Middle age (40-60) commonly brings weight gain due to decreasing metabolism, hormonal changes, and reduced muscle mass. After age 65, some people experience unintentional weight loss due to decreased appetite, dental problems, or underlying health conditions.
These weight changes are influenced by various factors, including physical activity levels and dietary needs, which also change throughout life 1. While some weight fluctuation is normal, significant unplanned weight changes should be discussed with a healthcare provider, as they could indicate health issues requiring attention. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had an impact on weight change, with studies suggesting a small but statistically significant increase in BMI and weight among both children and adults 1.
Key factors to consider when evaluating weight changes include:
- Age-related changes in body composition and metabolism
- Physical activity levels and dietary needs
- Hormonal balance and its impact on weight
- Potential health issues that may contribute to unplanned weight changes
- The clinical significance of weight gain, with a 3%–7% weight gain considered a clinically relevant threshold 1.
Overall, understanding the natural fluctuations in weight that occur throughout life, as well as the factors that influence these changes, is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing potential health issues 1.
From the Research
Weight Change Patterns Across Different Ages
Weight change is a common phenomenon that occurs at different stages of life. Various studies have investigated the patterns of weight change and their association with health outcomes.
- Weight loss and gain patterns have been observed to vary across different age groups 2, 3.
- A study found that weight loss maintenance in young adulthood was associated with lower odds of obesity-related diseases such as diabetes and hypertension 2.
- Another study revealed that recent weight changes, including weight gain, loss, and cycling, were significant predictors of subsequent weight changes in both men and women 3.
Association with Health Outcomes
The relationship between weight change and health outcomes has been extensively studied.
- Excess weight in adolescence and young adulthood has been linked to an increased risk of hypertension and diabetes mellitus 4, 5.
- Maintaining a normal weight across adulthood, especially preventing weight gain in early adulthood, is important for preventing premature deaths in later life 6.
- Weight cycling and weight gain have been associated with higher odds of disease, including diabetes and hypertension 2, 3.
Age-Specific Weight Change Patterns
Weight change patterns have been observed to vary across different age groups.
- A study found that excess weight in young adulthood was associated with an increased risk of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, irrespective of weight status in adolescence 4.
- Another study revealed that changing from a non-obese to an obese body mass index between young and middle adulthood was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality and heart disease mortality 6.
- Obesity experienced continuously during adolescence and young adulthood has been found to greatly intensify the risk of health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure 5.