Meat Increases the Chances of Living to 100 Years, but Only with Normal Weight 0 6

Participants were divided into two groups: about 80 percent consumed meat, while the others followed a plant-based diet (primarily vegetables and grains, sometimes dairy products or eggs). The results showed that meat-eaters had a higher likelihood of living to 100 years, but only when considering body mass index (BMI).

Among people with underweight (BMI below 18.5), 24 percent of vegetarians and nearly 30 percent of meat-eaters lived to 100 years. This pattern was not observed among those with higher weight. The lead author of the study, Wan Kaiyue from Fudan University, noted that animal proteins help strengthen muscles and bones, which is especially important for those who are underweight; however, daily consumption of vegetables also contributes to longevity.

James Webster from the University of Oxford emphasized that both vegetarian and meat diets can be beneficial or harmful depending on their nutritional value. In his opinion, more data is needed for confident conclusions about the best diet for a long life, and the dietary pattern should be assessed as a whole, including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while minimizing salt, sugar, and saturated fats.