Obesity, physical function, and mortality in older adults
Iain A Lang1, David J Llewellyn, Kirsty Alexander
1Epidemiology and Public Health Group, Peninsula Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom. iain.lang@pms.ac.uk
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|July 30, 2008
Summary
Excess body weight in older adults increases the risk of physical function impairment but not mortality. This finding highlights potential future increases in disability care costs for aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Aging populations are experiencing rising rates of overweight and obesity.
- Understanding the health implications of excess body weight in older adults is crucial for public health planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between excess body weight and physical function and mortality in noninstitutionalized older adults.
- To estimate the impact of different body mass index (BMI) categories on activities of daily living (ADLs), physical performance, and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Population-based cohort study using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA).
- Followed 3,793 participants aged 65+ for 5 years.
- Compared risks of impaired physical function and mortality across BMI categories: recommended weight, overweight, obese, and severely obese.
Main Results:
- Higher BMI categories were associated with a significantly greater risk of impaired physical function.
- Obese men (BMI 30.0-34.9) showed increased risk for ADL difficulties and measured functional impairment compared to men at recommended weight.
- No significant increase in mortality risk was observed for overweight or obese individuals compared to those at recommended weight.
Conclusions:
- Excess body weight in individuals aged 65 and older is linked to a higher likelihood of physical function decline.
- The findings suggest that societies may face escalating disability-related healthcare and social care costs due to increasing rates of overweight and obesity in older adults.
- Public health strategies should address weight management in older populations to mitigate future disability burdens.
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