Older Chinese people with high blood pressure who are underweight (BMI below 18.5) are slightly more likely to die from any cause, but this difference is not statistically significant compared to those with normal weight.
Scientific Claim
Underweight older Chinese adults (BMI <18.5 kg/m²) with hypertension have a 7.4% higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to normal weight, but this association is not statistically significant (hazard ratio 1.074, 95% confidence interval 0.927–1.244).
Original Statement
“In hypertensive participants, the hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of BMI <18.5, 24–28 and ≥28 kg/m² for mortality... were 1.074 (0.927–1.244), 0.881 (0.834–0.931) and 0.856 (0.790–0.929), respectively.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study is observational, so causal language is inappropriate. The claim correctly uses 'associated with' and provides the HR and CI.