Overnutrition in the Elderly Population: Socio-Demographic and Behavioral Risk Factors in Hungary

Overnutrition, leading to overweight and obesity, is a growing concern among the elderly, contributing to non-communicable diseases. This study examines socio-demographic, dietary, and lifestyle factors associated with overnutrition in Hungarian adults aged 65 and older.

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using 2019 European Health Interview Survey data, including 1628 elderly participants. Body mass index (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) defined overnutrition. Socio-demographic (gender, income, urbanization, partner status), dietary (fruit, vegetable, water, sweetener, salt intake), and lifestyle (alcohol, smoking, physical activity) factors were analyzed. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression identified associations, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated.

Overnutrition prevalence was 72.7%, higher in males (77.8%) than females (69.1%). Urbanization, income, and partner status showed associations. Significant predictors included lower water intake (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.33-0.65 for 1-1.5 L), artificial sweetener use (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.13-2.11), moderate/high salt intake (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.06-1.99), former/never smoking (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.73-3.77), and heavy alcohol use (OR = 4.00, 95% CI: 1.33-12.50).

Artificial sweetener use, high salt intake, smoking history, and heavy alcohol consumption are key modifiable predictors of overnutrition, informing targeted interventions for elderly Hungarians.