Overview

• Researchers analyzed nearly 86,000 adults in Denmark, mostly women in their mid-60s, over about five years.
• Underweight participants with BMI below 18.5 had nearly triple the mortality versus those at BMI 22.5–24.9.
• Individuals in the overweight to moderately obese range (BMI 25–35) showed no significant increase in mortality compared with the reference group.
• Severe obesity (BMI 40 or higher) was associated with more than double the risk of death.
• Authors suggested the lowest-risk range may extend up to BMI 30, while cautioning about possible confounding and calling for peer-reviewed confirmation before changing guidelines.