The association between weight history and physical performance in the Health, Aging and Body Composition study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Obesity research
• Physical performance studies

Background:

• The link between current obesity and physical disability is established.
• The long-term impact of cumulative obesity across different life stages on physical function remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between weight history from young to middle adulthood and weight status in late adulthood with physical performance in older adults.
• To understand the cumulative effect of obesity on physical decline.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal cohort study design.
• Inclusion of 2803 White and Black men and women aged 70-79 years.
• Assessment of Body Mass Index (BMI) at ages 25, 50, and 70-79, and physical performance via Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and 400-m walk test.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of overweight/obesity increased significantly from young to late adulthood (24% men/8% women at age 25 to 69% men/66% women at ages 70-79).
• Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) at ages 25, 50, and 70-79 was associated with worse SPPB scores and slower 400-m walk times.
• Overweight status (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m²) in women across all age points also correlated with poorer physical performance.
• A history of being overweight or obese at ages 25 or 50, regardless of later weight status, predicted worse physical performance in late adulthood.

Conclusions:

• Maintaining a healthy body weight throughout adulthood is crucial for preserving physical function in later life.
• Weight history, not just current weight status, significantly influences physical performance in older adults.
• Preventing or delaying physical disability may be achievable by managing weight across the lifespan.