title: The relationship between obesity, physical activity, and physical function in older adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study investigated the relationship between overweight and obesity, age, and gender with physical activity and physical function in community-dwelling older men and women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to analyze differences between normal weight, overweight, and obese adults (n = 821) above the age of 60 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Obesity but not overweight was associated with lower levels of physical activity and physical function. Within BMI groups, individuals who were physically active were less likely to have abnormal physical function scores compared to those who were sedentary. Compared to men, obese women had lower physical function scores, placing them at higher risk for future disability. Aging was associated with lower levels of physical activity and physical function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study illustrates the importance of avoiding obesity and participating in regular physical activity to prevent or slow down the loss of functioning in older age.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, The University of Rhode Island, 210 Flagg Road Kingston, RI 02881, USA. debriebe@uri.edu
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Riebe
authors.forename: Bryan J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Blissmer
authors.forename: Mary L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Greaney
authors.forename: Carol Ewing
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Garber
authors.forename: Faith D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Lees
authors.forename: Philip G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009765:Obesity; D050177:Overweight; D057185:Sedentary Behavior