Body Mass Index Linked to Mortality in Rural China Study

Background: Obesity has emerged as a significant public health concern globally, contributing to multifaceted health issues and increased mortality rates. In rural China, where nutritional transitions have altered dietary patterns, understanding the link between Body Mass Index (BMI) and mortality is crucial for implementing effective health interventions.

Method: This study is a longitudinal analysis examining the relationship between BMI and all-cause mortality among a cohort of 20,000 adults in rural China, followed for 10 years. Using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, researchers adjusted for potential confounders including age, sex, smoking status, and pre-existing health conditions.

Result: The study found that individuals with a BMI of 30 or greater had a 25% increase in the risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with a normal BMI (18.5-24.9). The hazard ratio for this group was 1.25 (95% CI 1.1-1.4, P=0.002), indicating a clear association between higher BMI and increased mortality risk.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of targeting obesity within public health initiatives in rural China, advocating for nutrition education and interventions tailored to this population. However, limitations such as reliance on self-reported BMI and potential confounding variables warrant further research to establish causality.

Original citation address: https://www.besjournal.com/en/article/doi/10.3967/bes2025.128