Relationship between obesity and obesity-related morbidities weakens with aging

Abstract

Background. A weak relationship exists between obesity and mortality risk in older populations, however, the influence of age on the relationship between obesity and morbidity is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of age on the relationship between obesity and cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Methods. Data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994) were used. Individuals were classified into specific age (young: 18-40; middle: 40-65; old: 65-75; and very old: ≥75 years) and body mass index (BMI; 18.5-24.9, >25-29.9, ≥ 30kg/m2) categories. Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension were categorized using measured metabolic risk factors, physician diagnosis, or medication use. Results .Age modified the relationship between BMI and cardiovascular disease (Age × BMI interaction, p =.049), dyslipidemia (Age × BMI interaction, p =.035 for men, p