High BMI and waist circumference are associated with a high prevalence of comorbidities in older Americans act programs in Georgia senior centers

Prevalence and predictors of recommendations to lose weight in overweight and obese older adults in Georgia senior centers

“…Nonetheless, many studies including the BRFSS, which reported overweight and obesity rates for older adults in Georgia of 40.3% and 23.4%, respectively, also use self-reported measurements (CDC, 2007). Furthermore, correction for self-report among our study participants resulted in a higher prevalence of obesity but similar relationships between BMI or WC and co-morbidities as for uncorrected measures (Penn et al, 2009).…”

“…Participants' self-reported disability due to weight was determined by a "yes" response to: "Does your current weight affect your ability to do daily activities such as walk, do housework, shop, etc.?" Height, weight, BMI, and waist circumference (WC) were determined as described (Penn et al, 2009). Participants were classified as overweight (BMI: 25.0-29.9), obese (BMI ≥ 30.0), and having a WC risk (men N 40 inches; women N 35 inches) according to NIH Guidelines (NIH, 1998).…”

Food Insecurity, Food and Nutrition Programs, and Aging: Experiences from Georgia

“…Our ongoing screening and assessment identified obesity and obesity-related disorders as major chronic health problems in older adults at senior centers in Georgia (25,61,82), confirming the need for comprehensive nutrition and health promotions services. It may seem counterintuitive that a high prevalence of both food insecurity and obesity can coexist within the same population, and this phenomenon is termed the ''food insecurity-obesity paradox'' (83)(84)(85).…”

“…As BMI or waist circumference increased, the prevalence of most self-reported health conditions that were assessed was increased (except for heart disease), while self-reported health, physical function, and flexibility were decreased. Self-reported and measured BMI (e.g., height and weight) were similarly associated with the comorbidities of interest, suggesting that self-reported measures are a practical way to assess BMI in community-based settings (82). High waist circumference (measured over or under the clothes) was also strongly associated with the comorbidities of interest, indicating that this measure is a practical way to identify those at risk for obesity-related comorbidities and avoiding the complications of BMI assessment in older adults with variable and significant height loss and kyphosis (82).…”

“…In a convenience sample of older adults receiving food and nutrition services from Georgia senior centers, the prevalence of several comorbidities was strongly associated with BMI, independent of age, gender, and race (N ¼ 759, 19% male, 36% Black; Figure 1) (82). In this sample, the prevalence of obesity was 20.6% for BMI 30 to <35 kg=m 2 , 10.1% for BMI 35 to <40 kg=m 2 , and 7.8% for BMI 40 kg=m 2 and higher, resulting in an overall prevalence of obesity of 38.5%.…”