Prevalence of Obesity and Malnutrition in Four Cohorts of Very Old Adults, 2000–2017

Abstract

Objectives: Investigate trends in the prevalence of obesity and malnutrition among very old adults (age ≥ 85 years) between 2000 and 2017. Design, Setting, Participants, Measurements: A study with data from the Umeå 85+/Gerontological regional database population-based cohort study of very old adults in northern Sweden. Every 5 years from 2000–2002 to 2015–2017, comprehensive assessments of participants were performed during home visits (N=1602). Body mass index (BMI) classified participants as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0–29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30.0 kg/m2). Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scores classified participants as malnourished (0 to <17), at risk of malnutrition (17–23.5), and having good nutritional status (24–30). Prevalence and trends were examined using analysis of variance and chi-squared tests, including subgroup analyses of nursing home residents. Results: Between 2000–2002 and 2015–2017, the mean BMI increased from 24.8± 4.7 to 26.0± 4.7 kg/m2. The prevalence of obesity and underweight were 13.4% and 7.6%, respectively, in 2000–2002 and 18.3% and 3.0%, respectively, in 2015–2017. The mean MNA score increased between 2000–2002 and 2010–2012 (from 23.2± 4.7 to 24.2± 3.6), and had decreased (to 23.3± 4.2) by 2015–2017. The prevalence of malnutrition was 12.2%, 5.1%, and 8.7% in 2000–2002, 2010–2012, and 2015–2017, respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed similar BMI and MNA score patterns among nursing home residents. Conclusions: Among very old adults, the mean BMI and prevalence of obesity seemed to increase between 2000–2002 and 2015–2017. Meanwhile, the nutritional status (according to MNA scores) seemed to improve between 2000–2002 and 2010–2012, it declined by 2015–2017.