Effect of aging on body fat.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effects of aging on body fat.


METHODS
Cross-sectional comparison by age and gender.


METHODS
Community health fairs, medical school, and a Department of Veterans Affairs Nursing Home Care Unit.


METHODS
Five hundred and fourteen individuals between the ages of 29-96 attending three different community health fairs; 62 first year medical students; and 121 male residents of a nursing home.


METHODS
None


METHODS
All underwent measurements of weight, height, and percentage body fat using the RJL Spectrum Bodycomp II Bioelectrical Impedance machine.


RESULTS
Percentage body fat increased slightly between ages 20 to 39 years and 40 to 84 years. There were no significant differences noted in percentage body fat among the age groups 40-64, 65-74 and 75-84 in either males or females. There were also no significant differences noted in percentage body fat between any age groups when age-matched for body mass index. Patients over the age of 85 had significantly lower percentage body fat compared with all other age groups. Finally, nursing home patients were more likely to have a lower percentage body fat compared with the ambulatory population.


CONCLUSIONS
The percentage body fat does not appear to increase significantly after the age of 40 years. In addition, the major reason for the increase in body fat in older persons appears to be weight gain rather than a true age-related increase in percentage body fat. Previous studies suggesting a marked increase in percentage body fat with advancing age have failed to correct for the presence of an increased body mass index that commonly occurs at middle age.
Silver
A J
AJ
Division of Geriatric Medicine, St. Louis University School of Medicine, Missouri.
Guillen
C P
CP
Kahl
M J
MJ
Morley
J E
JE
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017097:Electric Impedance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged