Taste Propensity in Obese and Nonobese Older Adults

To examine associations between taste propensity and body mass index (BMI) in elderly individuals (≥ 60 years), compare taste propensity between obese and nonobese groups, and explore gender-related differences to inform dietary interventions.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 231 elderly participants (aged ≥ 60 years) in Zanjan city, categorized into obese (n = 80) and nonobese (n = 151) groups. Taste propensity was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) evaluating six taste groups: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami, and fat. Pearson's correlation and independent samples t-tests were used to examine relationships between BMI and taste propensity.

Inverse correlations were observed between BMI and sweet (r = -0.172, p = 0.009), bitter (r = -0.139, p = 0.035), and umami (r = -0.168, p = 0.010) taste propensities; whereas there were positive correlations between BMI and salty (r = 0.204, p = 0.002) and fat (r = 0.167, p = 0.011) taste scores. Moreover, obese participants showed a lower propensity for sweet and umami tastes (p = 0.049; p < 0.001), but a higher propensity for salty and fat tastes (p = 0.029; p = 0.024) compared to nonobese individuals. A gender difference was observed in umami propensity among obese participants, with women showing a stronger propensity (p = 0.033).

Obesity in the elderly is associated with altered taste perception, particularly an increased propensity for salty and fatty foods and a decreased propensity for sweet and umami tastes. These findings may inform tailored dietary interventions in older adults.