Those who lose weight in 50s 'have heart health as good as those who stay fit'

Losing weight in middle-age can make people's hearts as healthy as if they had never piled on the pounds.

Overweight men and women who take action in their early to mid-50s go on to have similar heart health to those who stay a healthy weight, research suggests.

A study has found that, by the age of 62, both groups had comparable cholesterol levels, blood pressure and signs of inflammation, which when kept under control indicate good health and strong hearts.

Data from more than 6,000 people born in the UK during one week in 1958 was examined.

They all took part in the National Child Development Study, which follows the lives of the cohort born during those seven days.

Experts analysed participants' body mass index from their 20s onwards, and noted the highest weight each person reached by age 42. 

The team, from University College London (UCL), then examined whether people had lost or gained at least 5 per cent of their weight by age 50, and if they had maintained this weight difference at age 55. Blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammation markers were also analysed.

Cardiometabolic health describes how healthy a person's heart and metabolism are, with poor cardiometabolic health linked to conditions such as heart disease and heart attacks.

The study found that those who had maintained a healthy weight throughout adulthood had the best cardiometabolic health aged 62. Those who stayed overweight, or who gained weight and ended up overweight, had worse health in comparison.

Those who stayed obese, became obese or whose weight went up and down had the worst cardiometabolic health. However, overweight people who lost weight had cardiometabolic health that closely resembled that of the consistently healthy weight group. 

Lead author Dr Charis Bridger Staatz, from UCL's Centre for Longitudinal Studies, said: 'Ageing is often framed in terms of inevitable health decline, but our research shows this need not be the case.

'A modest reduction in weight in people's 50s may make a real difference to their health, potentially improving their quality of life and reducing their risk of heart issues.

'While obesity prevention strategies rightly place strong emphasis on children and young people, these findings indicate that prevention efforts should also extend to people in their 50s.' 

Co-author Dr Laura Gimeno said: 'Our findings support current interest around expanding access to effective weight-loss support, including weight-loss medications.

'They also highlight the importance of reducing further weight gain in midlife, as this was consistently linked to the fastest deterioration in heart health.'

Dr Bridger Staatz added: 'Policymakers may wish to consider how weight management support can be offered before older age... Slower heart and metabolic ageing may translate into reduced health service need with potential long-term benefits for the NHS.'