Anthropometric measurements in adults and elderly: Cuban perspectives

Abstract

Despite the economic crisis in Cuba over the last few decades, the government has sought to ensure social equality as a development strategy on the basis of universality and free access to social services, health included. Anthropometric measurements are associated with health status and socioeconomic conditions in population groups, as they reflect the exposition to deprivation or excessive food, insufficient physical activity, and occurrence of diseases. This chapter presents and discusses information about anthropometric characteristics of adult and elderly (inclusive centenarian) Cuban individuals. According to the analyzed studies, between 1982 and 2001, there was a reduction in the prevalence of underweight and an increase of overweight/obesity in adults aged 20-59 years. In adult and elderly subjects, the greatest prevalence of underweight is observed in men and overweight/obesity in women. Around the age of 70, there is a reduction in muscle mass and fat mass, which is more prevalent among women and the oldest age groups. The elderly of Cuba have different anthropometric characteristics than those of other cities of Latin America and developed countries. Among centenarians, values for BMI and arm and calf circumferences were greater for men. A significant number of Cuban individuals, independent of age group and sex, present vulnerable nutritional status, in view of the high prevalence of underweight and overweight/ obesity. Data from these studies may be used for surveillance and for planning actions that intend to prevent or improve nutritional inadequacy in the Cuban population.