Losing weight can be harder as you get older, but a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association said that seeing a lower number on the scale could actually be a cause for concern.

According to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS health expert Dr. Archelle Georgiou, the study is good, but the headlines are misleading.

The study said weight loss might be associated with an increased risk of death in older adults, a point that conflicts with many other studies on weight loss, said Georgiou.

A five to ten percent decrease in body weight could indicate a 26-33% higher risk of death, while a 10% decrease may be associated with a 114-289% higher risk of death, according to the study.

To stay on top of your health, Georgiou recommends weighing yourself regularly and seeing a doctor if you lose more than five percent of your body weight.

Read the full study published in JAMA Network below.