What is the Optimal Body Mass Index Range for Older Adults?

Abstract

Background: Obesity is pathophysiologically complex in older adults compared to that in young and middle-aged adults. The aim of the present study was to determine the appropriate body mass index (BMI) range based on geriatric evaluation parameters in which complications can be minimized in older adults. Methods: A total of 1,051 older adult patients who underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment were included. The patients’ demographic characteristics, comorbid diseases, number of drugs, BMI, basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADL and IADL), Tinetti balance and walking scale, Mini Nutritional Assessment, Geriatric Depression Scale-15, Mini-Mental State Examination, Time Up and Go test, and handgrip strength measurement were extracted from patient records.Results: Of the patients who took part, 73% were female, and the mean age was 77.22±7.10 years. The most negative results were observed in those with a BMI <25 kg/m2 and in those with a BMI >35 kg/m2. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of the optimum BMI cutoff levels to detect the desirable values of geriatric assessment parameters was found to be 31–32 and 27–28 kg/m2 for female and male, respectively.Conclusion: Older adults with BMI <25 and >35 kg/m2 were at a higher risk of a decrease in functional capacity, and experienced gait and balance problems, fall risk, decrease in muscle strength, and malnutrition. Data from this study suggest that the optimum range of BMI levels for older adults is 31–32 and 27–28 kg/m2 for female and male, respectively.

10-Year Follow-up of the Original Faroese Septuagenarian Cohort: Focus on Frailty and Association With All-cause Mortality

“…For both sexes, nearly all anthropometric measurements were outside normal range and 77% of the participants were characterized as overweight/obese according to BMI. However, studies indicate that present BMI categories and interpretations may be inappropriate for older adults ( Javed et al, 2020 ), while a BMI between 25 and 35 may be optimal for health ( Kıskaç et al, 2022 ). Still, both WC, WHR and body fat percent were outside normal range.…”

Assessment of frailty, daily life activities, and nutrition of elderly immigrants: A household based cross-sectional study

“…In various studies conducted with the elderly, it has been shown that functional capacity decreases and there is a decrease in daily life activities in obese elderly individuals, which increases both the clinical frailty risk and the nutritional impact. [3] The relationship between BMI and malnutrition is stronger in the presence of chronic diseases, [63][64][65] and early detection of malnutrition is important both to reduce morbidity and mortality and to improve the quality of life of the elderly. [66,67] The ability to perform daily living activities is associated with frailty and malnutrition.…”

“…[1] Consequently, the proportion of the elderly population is gradually rising. [2,3] The global elderly population accounted for 9.5% in 2020, and it is estimated that this figure will double by the year 2050. [4,5] At advanced age, individuals experience significant declines in their physical, cognitive, and social abilities.…”

“…[1] Consequently, the proportion of the elderly population is gradually rising. [2,3] The global elderly population accounted for 9.5% in 2020, and it is estimated that this figure will double by the year 2050. [4,5]…”

The Association between Cognitive Impairment and Body Composition among the Elderly: Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study

“…WC was categorized as substantially increased (≥ 102 cm (M), ≥ 88 cm (W)), increased (> 94 cm (M), > 80 cm (W)), and normal (≤ 94 cm (M), ≤ 80 cm (W)) [22,23]. Normal range for BMI (18.5 BMI 25) according to the cut-off points determined for this population [24].…”