Physical limitations contribute to food insecurity and the food insecurity-obesity paradox in older adults at senior centers in Georgia.
The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of obesity and physical limitations with food insecurity among Georgians participating in the Older Americans Act (OAA) congregate meal-site program (N = 621, median age = 76 years, 83% female, 36% Black, and 64% White, convenience sample). Food insecurity was assessed using the modified 6-item US Household Food Security Survey Module; obesity was defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) or waist circumference (WC) class I or II obesity; and physical limitations (arthritis, joint pain, poor physical function, weight-related disability) were based on the Disablement Process. A series of multivariate logistic regression models found weight-related disability and obesity (WC class II) may be potential risk factors for food insecurity. Thus, obesity and weight-related disability may be risk factors to consider when assessing the risk of food insecurity and the need for food assistance in this vulnerable subgroup of older adults.
Brewer
Dawn P
DP
Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, 280 Dawson Hall, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
Catlett
Christina S
CS
Porter
Katie N
KN
Lee
Jung Sun
JS
Hausman
Dorothy B
DB
Reddy
Sudha
S
Johnson
Mary Ann
MA
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000503:physiopathology; D001168:Arthritis / Q000503:physiopathology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005523:Food Supply; D005845:Georgia / Q000453:epidemiology; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D006815:Hunger; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009752:Nutritional Status; D009765:Obesity / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D055105:Waist Circumference