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Aging, body composition, and lifestyle: the Fels Longitudinal Study
S S Guo1, C Zeller, W C Chumlea
1Division of Human Biology, Department of Community Health, Wright State University School of Medicine, Yellow Springs, OH 45387-1695, USA. shumei.guo@wright.edu
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|September 9, 1999
Summary
Physical activity can improve fat-free mass (FFM) in aging individuals. Monitoring body composition beyond weight and BMI is crucial, especially for postmenopausal women, where physical activity and estrogen use show benefits.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Human Physiology
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Body composition changes with age in both men and women.
- These age-related changes are influenced by various factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine body composition changes over time in older adults.
- To determine the impact of physical activity, menopausal status, and estrogen use on these changes.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of body composition (height, weight, BMI, total body fat, percentage BF, FFM) in 102 men and 108 women.
- Physical activity, menopausal status, and estrogen use were analyzed as covariates.
Main Results:
- Significant age-related decreases in FFM and height; increases in total body fat (BF), percentage BF, weight, and BMI.
- Physical activity reduced BF and BMI in men; increased FFM and reduced BF in women.
- Postmenopausal women had higher BF and percentage BF; estrogen use attenuated these increases.
Conclusions:
- Increased physical activity can improve FFM.
- Body weight or BMI alone may not fully reflect body composition changes from interventions.
- Physical activity benefits were greater in postmenopausal women, and estrogen use was beneficial.