New research indicates that women 85 and older can at last stop dieting, according to scientists at Tel Aviv University, who’ve published their findings in the Journal of Aging Research.

According to the study, excess fat on women over 85 has a protective effect. “Researchers say elderly people who were overweight had a lower risk of death than those who were underweight or had a normal body weight,” according to MSN NZ’s Health Hub. “This is because heavier people have lower rates of osteoporosis – making them less likely to fall and injure themselves. Obesity also provides extra energy in times of trauma and stress, keeping older people alive for longer when they are unable to eat.”

However, the scientists warned that obesity brings other ailments to older people.