The first seriatim study into old age for weight, stature and BMI: the fels longitudinal study

To document the serial status of measures of weight, stature and BMI from birth into old age. Longitudinal measures of weight, stature and BMI were taken from birth to 76 years of age for 5 men and 7 women as part of the Fels Longitudinal Study. Sex-specific plots of means for weight, stature and BMI are presented that describe the changes and sex differences in these measurements between birth (or the first year of life) into old age. These serial data demonstrate a continuous increase in body weight through much of adulthood and a small decline in stature starting in late middle age. The plots for BMI indicate the early onset of overweight and subsequent obesity early in adulthood and its continuance into old age for men and women. These are the first plots of serial means for weight, stature and BMI measured from the same group of individuals from birth into old age. These findings demonstrate the changes in these measurements through childhood and maturity into old age. Similar data are needed for individuals from other racial/ethnic groups and countries in order to understand the aging process better.