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The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on the federal government to regulate social media due to the widespread dissemination of fake news originating from the platforms.

Speaking at the Northern Traditional Rulers Council (NTRC) General Assembly held in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, the Sultan expressed concern over the rapid spread of misinformation on social media and how it has been misused by many unscrupulous Nigerians.

Warning that this trend poses a serious threat to national peace and stability, pointing out that, ‘It is now time for the government to regulate social media in the country, adding that the spread of fake news is dangerous and must be addressed.’

The head of the Muslim Umar in Nigeria also commended the Nigerian military for their efforts in combating banditry, acknowledging that without their sustained operations, the meeting in Kebbi would not have been possible.

‘I strongly condemn some of the harsh words directed at our military because of certain setbacks. They are doing their best to restore security in many parts of the country. Such criticism does not help. Instead, it discourages those who are putting their lives on the line for our safety.’ He said.

In his welcome address, the Vice Chairman of the Northern Traditional Council and Emir of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi, said the theme of the General Assembly, which is ‘Strengthening Community: Collaboration for Lasting Peace and Security in Northern Nigeria’, underscores the collective commitment to addressing insecurity through dialogue.

He emphasised the importance of involving traditional institutions in non-kinetic approaches to tackling insecurity, noting that they serve as a vital link between the government and grassroots communities

While declaring the meeting open, Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, explained that the state did not hire a foreign firm to fight insurgents in the state and his administration believes in the efforts of Nigeria’s laws and the ability of the Nigerian Armed Forces to tackle insurgency.

The meeting was attended by Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Minister of Budget, Abubakar Bagudu, and Etsu Nupe, among other Northern Nigeria Traditional Rulers.

Barring last-minute amendment of its Order Paper, the Senate will on Wednesday debate a motion which seeks to review and substantially increase the minimum wage and overall salary structure of the Nigerian Armed Forces in line with current economic realities.

The motion titled, ‘Urgent Need to Increase the Minimum Wage and Improve Conditions of Service for Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies,’ is to be presented by former Senate Majority Leader, Ali Ndume.

In the motion sighted by Tribune Online, Senator Ndume, who incidentally was Chairman Senate Committee on Army in the Ninth Senate, expressed concern that ‘the current wage level does not reflect the magnitude of sacrifices made by Nigerian troops who daily risk their lives in internal and external operations, often under intense conditions of combat stress and limited welfare infrastructure.’

If it enjoys the unanimity of its members, the Senate will mandate the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and the National Assembly’s Appropriations Committee to make budgetary provisions for an enhanced Defence Personnel Cost in the 2026 Appropriation Bill; and also urge the Federal Government to implement periodic reviews of Armed Forces wages, every three years to maintain parity with inflation and international benchmarks.

The lawmaker, in his motion, observed ‘that the current remuneration and minimum entry-level wage for many personnel across these services have been outpaced by rising living costs, with knock-on effects on morale, recruitment, retention, and operational effectiveness-particularly for personnel deployed in high-risk theatres and remote locations.’

Senator Ndume noted that the current minimum monthly wage for junior personnel in the Armed Forces ranges between ?50,000 and ?60,000, depending on rank, is grossly inadequate in light of the current economic realities, inflationary pressures, and rising cost of living in Nigeria.

The lawmaker maintained that poor remuneration affects morale, recruitment, and retention rates, and exposes personnel to economic hardship, thereby indirectly undermining operational efficiency and national security.

While he acknowledged that a review of the national minimum wage is presently being considered for the general workforce, he maintained that a special salary structure for the Armed Forces is both constitutionally permissible and morally justified, given their unique role in the defence of the state.

‘In most countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and India, the pay of armed forces personnel is benchmarked above the national minimum wage, reflecting the special risk, discipline, and service conditions of the military profession.

‘Aligning the remuneration of Nigeria’s Armed Forces with comparable regional and global standards would boost morale, strengthen professionalism, and reaffirm national appreciation for their sacrifices.’

Generation Unlimited Nigeria (GenU 9JA), UNICEF’s Public-Private-Youth-Partnership platform, has been officially institutionalised under the Office of the Vice President, which marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s youth development initiatives.

Since its launch in 2021, the platform that provides vital access to digital learning, employment pathways, and civic engagement opportunities has successfully impacted over 11 million young Nigerians across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a particular emphasis on young women and marginalised youth.

During the annual Steering Committee meeting in Lagos, co-chaired by the Office of the Vice President, UNICEF Nigeria, and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, representatives from government, the private sector, development partners, and youth leaders convened to review progress and set priorities for 2026 and beyond.

UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms Wafaa Saeed, who announced that GenU 9JA has been institutionalised under the Office of the Vice President, stated that with over 11 million young Nigerians impacted in four years, the platform is on track to achieve its goal of supporting 20 million young people in their transition from learning to earning by 2030.

Wafa stated, ‘This step reflects the government’s strong commitment to creating opportunities for young people across the country.’

Rimamskeb Nuhu, Special Assistant to the President, Strategy and Policy (Workforce Development), Office of the Vice President (OVP), in a press release signed by Blessing, said, ‘The mission of GenU 9JA aligns with the Government of Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Digital Access and Livelihoods Initiative (DALI), initiatives that aim to open more pathways for youth employment and entrepreneurship.’

In a remark, Somachi Chris-Asoluka, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, said the private sector, particularly young entrepreneurs, are the engines of Africa’s transformation, adding, ‘The Tony Elumelu Foundation will continue to provide Africa’s youth with the mentorship, resources, and networks that are required to build sustainable businesses through our partnership with UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited.’

The review of the GenU 9JA indicated that the Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA) programme successfully connected more than 400,000 youth to skills development, livelihoods and empowerment opportunities.

About 20,000 young women acquired technical and digital skills, and over 85,000 received mentorships through the Future-X Campus Ambassadors Programme.

Civic engagement saw a notable increase, with over 665,000 youth participating in social impact initiatives and more than 300,000 youth mobilised for environmental action through the Green Rising initiative.

Despite the progress made so far, GenU 9JA is looking to support 2.5 million youth with jobs, training, and entrepreneurship in 2026. This plan will include scaling YOMA from the current 400,000 to 2 million users, expanding Green Rising to universities, and offering grants to youth-led start-ups.

As the initiative enters its next phase, partners reaffirmed their commitment to collective action and investment in young people, recognising them as central to Nigeria’s social and economic progress.

GenU 9JA (Generation Unlimited Nigeria) is UNICEF’s youth platform launched in 2021 to support Nigerians aged 10-24 in transitioning from learning to earning. By 2030, it aims to reach 20 million youth with digital education, skills, and civic opportunities. Co-led by Nigeria’s Vice President and UNICEF, GenU 9JA has empowered over 11 million youth through partnerships with 40+ organisations nationwide.

The Federal Government on Tuesday disclosed that it may review the retirement age of Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) in the country as part of efforts to bridge the manpower gaps in the country’s airspace management and development.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, says the retirement age may be reviewed upward in order to ensure experienced hands and personnel are maximised and allow them to pass their experience to the younger generation.

Speaking while declaring open the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) in Abuja, Mr Keyamo said the ministry will work with the relevant authorities to ensure a successful review.

Describing NATCA as the ‘Apple of the eye of Aviation’, Keyamo assured them of the necessary support needed to make them function effectively, as they are in charge of the safety of the skies.

‘I listened to his speech on the age of retirement of Air Traffic Controllers. I think I am convinced it is something I can take up,’ Keyamo said.

He noted that if pilots can fly at the age of 65 years, there is no need for the Air Traffic Controllers not to push for 65 years.

Keyamo assured them that he would sit with the Permanent Secretary in the ministry to carefully study it and get approval for the upward review.

He noted that there is a shortage of air traffic controllers in the country and there was a need to bridge the gap.

The air traffic controllers are pushing for 65 years as the retirement age for their personnel.

In his welcome address, the President of NATCA, Mr Amos Edino, revealed that the wave of retirements and the migration of skilled professionals abroad and inter-agency transfers driven by the search for better opportunities have greatly affected their performance.

According to him, current projections indicate that if decisive measures are not taken, by 2030, despite the expected growth in national aviation activities, the Air Traffic Controller workforce could decline sharply, potentially widening the manpower gap by up to 70%.

He then called for a review and upward adjustment of the retirement age for Air Traffic Controllers to 65 years – aligning with other critical professions.

He remarked that over 150 controllers received international training in PBN, CPDLC, OJTI, UA Fundamentals, and UTM Airspace Integration, search and rescue, among others.

Edino also revealed that over 300 controllers benefited from the first-ever domestic training programs initiated in NAMA.

He stated that the long-awaited salary adjustment for Air Traffic Controllers in NAMA was signed in August 2025 and commenced implementation in September.

‘This landmark achievement should, in due course, be extended to other agencies housing Air Traffic Controllers, ensuring equity and uniform recognition of our professional value across the aviation sector,’ he said.

Edino further revealed that the NAMA management, through the Directorate of Air Traffic Services (DATS), commenced distribution of secured warm clothing for Air Traffic Controllers.

He also highlighted the challenges faced by Air Traffic Controllers with persistent manpower shortages, a challenge he remarked continued to impact the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of air navigation services.

The 54th NATCA AGM had its theme ‘The Human Edge: Capacity Building in the Next Generation Air Traffic Management’.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has criticised opposition parties across Nigeria, describing them as directionless and lacking in vision.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party’s spokesman, Seye Oladejo, said the APC had observed with concern the deteriorating state of opposition politics in the country as the 2027 general elections draw near.

He noted that the absence of a credible opposition was unhealthy for Nigeria’s democracy.

‘Rather than serve as credible watchdogs, policy challengers, or intellectual counterweights to the ruling party, the opposition has degenerated into a coalition of desperation, confusion, and hypocrisy – the very bane of Nigeria’s democratic growth.

‘The health of any democracy is measured by the quality, depth, and seriousness of its opposition – its ideas, organisation, and consistency.

‘Sadly, Nigeria’s opposition has failed woefully on all counts. It lacks leadership, cohesion, and a binding political philosophy.

‘The nation has watched in disbelief as individuals who once claimed to stand for ideological purity now leapfrog from one platform to another in search of personal relevance.

‘The opposition’s moral compass has been completely eroded, leaving behind a band of opportunists united only by their lust for power,’ Oladejo said.

He compared the current state of opposition politics to the era when President Bola Tinubu led the opposition, describing Tinubu as a ‘master political strategist and democrat’ who built a coalition based on principles, ideas, and structure.

According to him, Tinubu’s brand of opposition was guided by clarity of purpose, ideological direction, and consistent engagement.

‘He offered Nigerians a credible alternative founded on progressivism, good governance, and national unity,’ he said.

Oladejo noted that the APC itself was a product of that purposeful and issue-driven opposition, adding that it reflected what visionary politics could achieve when driven by patriotism.

‘The APC of today is a testament to what visionary and responsible opposition politics can achieve when driven by patriotism rather than personal ambition,’ he said.

He stated that President Tinubu’s administration had remained focused on implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda with courage and determination, introducing tough but necessary reforms to reposition the economy and restore national pride.

Oladejo criticised the opposition parties for failing to present coherent plans for the economy, security, education, or social development.

‘The APC finds it troubling that none of the opposition parties has presented any coherent roadmap for the economy, security, education, or social development.

‘Their default strategy remains to demonise government policies while offering no credible alternatives.

‘Such an unserious and visionless opposition can only undermine the progress of democracy by reducing public discourse to noise and confusion,’ he added.

He said Nigerians were becoming increasingly disinterested in opposition parties that neither inspire confidence nor offer hope for change.

‘Democracy thrives on choice – and when one side of the political divide consistently fails to evolve, citizens naturally disengage from the process.

‘Let it be known that democracy thrives not just on the conduct of elections but on the quality of engagement between the ruling party and a constructive opposition.

‘Unfortunately, what we have today is a fragmented assemblage of self-appointed messiahs and expired politicians who mistake social media noise for national relevance,’ he said.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has shifted the trial of the Ansaru leaders, Mahmud Usman and Abubakar Abba, on terrorism charges to 19 November.

The trial, initially billed for 21 October, was on Tuesday shifted to 19 November by Justice Emeka Nwite following the absence of counsel to the DSS, Mohammed Abubakar.

The lawyer, in a letter to the registrar of the court, apologised for his inability to be in court and sought an adjournment to enable him to be present to conduct the trial.

Following no objection to the request, Justice Nwite subsequently fixed 19 November for the trial of the two defendants.

At the last proceedings, the court had sentenced one of the two defendants, Mahmud Muhammed Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a, to 15 years’ imprisonment for illegal mining.

Usman, who hails from Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State, and Abubakar Abba, also known as Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri, who hails from Daura, Katsina State, were arraigned by the DSS on 32 counts of terrorism and related offences.

Of the 32 counts, Usman, who is the first defendant, had pleaded guilty to Count 10, which related to illegal mining. The presiding judge, Justice Emeka Nwite, consequently convicted him of the crime and sentenced him to 15 years in prison.

The second alleged Ansaru commander, Abubakar Abba, who was arraigned alongside the convict, however, denied the economic sabotage offence.

Usman and Abubakar Abba were put on trial on terrorism charges by the Department of State Services (DSS), but Usman pleaded guilty to Count 10 in the 32-count charge, which bordered on economic crime.

While Abubakar Abba pleaded not guilty to the 32-count charge on terrorism offences, Usman denied only 31 counts.

At the arraignment proceedings, the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mohammed Babadoko Abubakar, alleged in the charges that the two defendants committed the crimes between 2015 and 2024.

Among other allegations, they were accused of bombing Wawa Military Cantonment in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, receiving training in weapon handling, and fabricating improvised explosive devices.

The security agency alleged that they belonged to foreign terror groups, engaged in terrorism financing and kidnapping, and received training in war tactics from a terrorist organisation in Mali.

In another charge, the DSS accused them of kidnapping a Customs officer and an Immigration officer, the latter of whom was killed while in their custody.

The secret police claimed that the accused persons collected ransom running into millions of naira from the families of their victims before being captured by the DSS.

Similarly, they were accused of engaging in unlawful mining of mineral resources without a valid licence, from which they also made millions of naira.

One of the charges by the DSS against the two defendants is that the huge sums made from kidnapping ransoms and unlawful mineral mining were deployed to the procurement of large quantities of arms and ammunition, including improvised explosive devices.

The DSS further alleged that the two men received training in terrorism and war tactics in Sudan and Mali, and also facilitated the same for their followers.

In another charge, they were accused of concealing information on terror attacks at various locations in Niger State.

Following their denial of the charges, Justice Emeka Nwite ordered that they be remanded at the DSS facility in Abuja.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed its readiness to conduct a transparent, credible, free, and fair governorship election in Anambra State on November 8, 2025.

Its readiness was contained in a release presented by Mr. Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), during a one-day interactive session with media executives, reporters, producers, and on-air personalities ahead of the election, held at La-Luna Hotel in Awka on Tuesday.

According to Olumekun, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Director, Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), INEC Headquarters, Abuja, Mr. Wilfred Efogah, ‘It is a great pleasure to be here once again as we gather under the canopy of partnership and shared purpose – the purpose of strengthening our democracy through credible information and responsible communication.

‘This forum for media executives and on-air personalities is not just another event in the build-up to the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, November 8, 2025. It is, more importantly, a reaffirmation of the Commission’s commitment to transparency, openness, and collaboration with the media, our indispensable partners in nation-building.

‘Let me begin by appreciating the media for your professionalism and balanced reportage during the recent by-election in the state.

‘You upheld the ethics of journalism, resisted sensationalism, and ensured that facts, not falsehoods, guided public understanding. For this, the Commission says thank you. Your work continues to serve as the oxygen of democracy, enlightening citizens, holding institutions accountable, and bridging the gap between the governed and those who govern. As society’s mirror, the media reflects our collective conscience.

‘In elections, your role becomes even more sacred. You are the interpreters of the electoral process, helping citizens understand not just how to vote, but why their participation matters.

‘Democracy thrives when citizens are well-informed. To be well-informed, they must have access to accurate, timely, and balanced information. That is why the Commission continues to count on you to amplify voter education messages, combat misinformation, and keep the public engaged with truth and context.

‘Permit me to assure you that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is fully prepared for the upcoming Anambra Governorship Election on November 8, 2025. In line with our commitment to credible and inclusive elections, the Commission has been implementing a comprehensive plan of activities covering logistics, technology, training, stakeholder engagement, and security coordination. The Commission’s level of readiness is both practical and measurable. All non-sensitive materials have been delivered to the state, while sensitive materials will arrive in due course under strict security arrangements.

‘This week, the Commission will be in Anambra State for a week-long readiness assessment visit. The visit will feature meetings with key stakeholders, including the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), transport unions, a mock accreditation exercise, and an overall review of preparations.

‘Permit me to also inform you that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the recently conducted CVR exercise in Anambra State are ready for collection. Starting from Wednesday, 22nd to Sunday, 26th October 2025, Anambrarians who registered during the last exercise are encouraged to visit the wards where they registered to collect their PVCs.

‘I must emphasize that there will be no collection by proxy. We seek your support in this regard to help mobilise registrants through your various platforms to pick up these PVCs in order to participate in the November 8 election.

‘As preparations intensify, we must address one of the biggest threats to electoral integrity: fake news and misinformation. False stories, manipulated videos, and unverified claims can create unnecessary tension and erode public trust. We all have a duty to work together to stop the spread of such harmful content. I therefore call on the media, particularly editors, news producers, and on-air personalities, to verify before amplifying.

‘The Commission wishes to reiterate that there will be no late submissions or extension of time for accreditation. Those who have not yet applied are encouraged to do so within the remaining timeframe. Accreditation ensures that journalists are properly identified, have access to designated areas, and can discharge their duties with the full cooperation of the Commission.

‘In conclusion, let me reaffirm that INEC’s partnership with the media is not transactional; it is foundational. We are united by a shared belief that democracy must be protected, not only at the polling units but also in the minds of citizens who rely on information to make informed choices. Together, let us ensure that the Anambra Governorship Election of 2025 becomes another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, peaceful, transparent, and credible,’ Olumekun stated.

Also in attendance were the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu; Anambra NUJ Chairman, Odogwu Emeka Odogwu; HOD, ICT/VR, Emeka Nnaji; HOD, Legal, Mrs. Olachi Nwuko; and HOD, Electoral Operations, Ejikeme Ejimofor, who spoke separately to assure the electorate that INEC is fully prepared to conduct a free, fair, and credible election in the state.

The Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to expand its regulatory oversight to encompass online radio and television platforms, aiming to curb the spread of unverified and inflammatory content across digital spaces.

He warned that such content poses a serious threat to peace, unity, and national security.

‘The unregulated online broadcasting environment has become a breeding ground for misinformation and hate speech, especially on sensitive issues such as religion and politics.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mustapha Muhammad.

According to him, ‘It is time for the NBC to take proactive measures to ensure accountability and ethical standards in the digital media space,’.

Governor Yusuf made the call while delivering his remarks at the Africast 2025 Conference, organized by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Lagos, where media professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders gathered to discuss emerging trends in the broadcast industry.

He then expressed concern over the growing misuse of online broadcasting platforms, particularly those that promote divisive narratives on religion and politics.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information commended the call and disclosed that the National Assembly is already working on an amendment to the NBC Act, which has passed second reading in the Senate.

He stated that the amendment seeks to empower the Commission with all necessary legal authority to effectively regulate webcasts and online broadcast media platforms, ensuring that digital broadcasters are held to the same professional and ethical standards as traditional media.

Studies indicate that bottled water may contain harmful substances, including toxic elements, microplastics, and chemical additives, which can pose serious health threats upon prolonged consumption.

Research revealed that bottled water isn’t as pure as it seems because each sip may contain invisible microplastics that can slip through the body’s defences and lodge in vital organs.

A microplastic particle can range between one micron – a thousandth of a millimetre — and five millimetres; nanoplastics are smaller than one micron. So, the particles are usually invisible to the naked eye.

Researchers, in a review of over 140 scientific articles, declared that individuals on average ingest between 39,000 and 52,000 microplastic particles per year, and bottled water users consume 90,000 more particles than tap water consumers.

The research published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials looked at the science around the health risks posed by single-use plastic water bottles.

Microplastic particles emerge as bottles are made, stored, transported and broken down over their lifespans. Because they are often made from low-quality plastic, they shed tiny pieces every time they are manipulated and exposed to sunlight and temperature fluctuations.

And unlike other types of plastic particles, which enter human bodies through the food chain, these are ingested directly from the source.

Sarah Sajedi, who was involved in the study, declared, ‘Drinking water from plastic bottles is fine in an emergency, but it is not something that should be used in daily life. People need to understand that the issue is not acute toxicity-it is chronic toxicity.’

Sajedi stated that the health consequences of microplastic particles can be severe because once inside the body, these small plastics can cross biological boundaries, enter the bloodstream and reach vital organs.

This can lead to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress on cells, hormonal disruption, impaired reproduction, neurological damage and various kinds of cancer. However, the long-term effects remain poorly understood due to a lack of widespread testing and standardised methods of measurement and detection.

Still, their long-term impacts are not fully understood, largely because of limited testing and the absence of standardised ways to measure and track them.

Once inside the body, these particles can cause chronic inflammation, hormone disruption, and reproductive problems and even contribute to neurological damage and cancer, though many long-term impacts remain poorly understood due to a lack of standardised testing.

While global regulations are reducing plastic bags and straws, water bottles remain largely unregulated despite their direct link to plastic ingestion. ‘The issue is not acute toxicity-it is chronic toxicity,’ Sajedi warned.

Researchers from Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark have discovered that underweight individuals face roughly a threefold higher risk of dying compared to those who are overweight or even moderately obese – defying long-held beliefs about body weight and health.

A large-scale Danish study found that being slightly overweight – or even mildly obese – may not shorten life expectancy, while those who are underweight or at the lower end of the ‘normal’ weight range face greater risks.

The study, presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Vienna, Austria, suggested that being ‘fat but fit’ could be less deadly than being underweight.

Researchers tracked nearly 86,000 people, mostly women in their mid-60s, over five years, comparing their body mass index (BMI) to mortality rates.

Typically, a BMI between 18.5 and less than 25 is considered ‘normal’, 25 to less than 30 is ‘overweight’, and 30 or above is classified as obese.

However, the findings suggest that people with BMIs typically classed as ‘overweight’ appear to have outcomes just as good as – or even better than – those with lower BMIs.

Researchers observed a U-shaped curve when plotting BMI against mortality, indicating that individuals with the lowest and highest BMIs were at the greatest risk of death.

People with a BMI below 18.5 were nearly three times more likely to die prematurely than those with a BMI between 22.5 and 24.9.

Those at the lower end of the ‘healthy’ range also faced higher risks: individuals with BMIs between 18.5 and 19.9 had double the likelihood of death, while those with BMIs between 20 and 22.4 were at a 27% higher risk of early death compared with the reference group.

Carrying extra weight did not always translate to greater risk, as individuals with BMIs between 25 and 35 (typically categorised as ‘overweight’ or ‘obese’) showed no significant increase in mortality compared with the reference group.

Only those with a BMI of 40 or more experienced a substantially higher risk of death, more than doubling (2.1 times) compared with the reference group.

These findings add to the growing body of evidence challenging the common societal belief that thinness equates to health. In fact, research shows that being underweight poses significant health risks, particularly in older age.

According to the researchers, factors such as body fat distribution and underlying health conditions play a major role in determining overall health outcomes.

The lead researcher suggested a phenomenon known as ‘reverse causation’ – where some people lose weight because they are already ill, making it appear that being thin causes poor health, when in reality, the illness is responsible for both weight loss and increased risk.

While BMI is not a perfect measure of health, this study reinforces the growing view that we must rethink what a ‘healthy body’ truly looks like. Health is not merely about thinness; it’s about balance, body composition, and overall well-being.