Low physical function predicts either 2-year weight loss or weight gain in healthy community-dwelling older adults....

Weight change in older adults affects physical function (PF). However, data suggest that, conversely, PF may be a determinant of weight change. Our objective was to assess the role of baseline PF as a predictor of 2-year weight loss (WL) and weight gain (WG) ≥ 5% among healthy well-functioning community-dwelling older adults.

The NuAge cohort (67-84 years) was classified into three groups according to the percent weight change over a 2-year follow-up: weight stable (weight change ≤ 2%; n = 629), WL ≥ 5% (n = 189), and WG ≥ 5% (n = 111). A summary measure of baseline PF was computed (sum of biceps, quadriceps, and grip strength, timed up and go, chair stand, normal and maximal gait speed, and balance performance scores [individual test score range = 0-4]; PF score range = 0-32). Multivariable logistic regression models separately assessed the relationships between baseline PF and 2-year WL and WG ≥ 5%.

Baseline PF was worse in both the WL (p < .001) and the WG (p = .001) groups compared with the weight stable group. In models adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, energy intake, depressive symptoms, and other significantly associated covariates, each 1-unit increase in standard deviation of PF was associated with decreased risk of either 2-year WL (odds ratio = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.63-0.99, p = .043) or WG (odds ratio = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.55-0.99, p = .041).

Low baseline PF was an independent common predictor of 2-year WL and WG ≥ 5% in the healthy well-functioning community-dwelling elderly population. Whether PF is an early cause or marker of weight change in this population remains to be determined.