Gaining weight in your 40s and 50s can increase the likelihood of premature death by almost a third compared to maintaining a slim physique during middle age. People with slightly elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugars and carrying excess weight are up to 30 percent more likely to die younger. These traits also raise the risk of heart attacks or strokes over the next 30 years.
A study conducted in Sweden between 1990 and 1999 examined around 34,000 individuals in their 40s and 50s who participated in a cardiovascular screening program. Participants completed a questionnaire about their lifestyle habits, medical history, and socioeconomic factors. Findings revealed that 15 percent of the participants met the criteria for metabolic syndrome, which included certain measurements for waist circumference, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood glucose.
After accounting for factors like physical inactivity, BMI, and living situation, researchers discovered that individuals with metabolic syndrome were more likely to experience cardiac events earlier in life. More than a quarter of those with metabolic syndrome died compared to a fifth of those without the condition, making them 30 percent more likely to die within that time frame. They were also 33 percent more likely to experience non-fatal heart attacks and strokes.
Metabolic syndrome affects approximately one in four UK adults, with increasing obesity levels being a major factor. Each condition on its own, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, can damage blood vessels, but having all three together poses a particularly dangerous situation.
To reduce the risk, it is important to adopt simple measures like maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking. If lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, consulting with a GP can provide guidance on medication that can help mitigate the risk.
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