title: Physical limitations contribute to food insecurity and the food insecurity-obesity paradox in older adults at senior centers in Georgia.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Foods and Nutrition, University of Georgia, 280 Dawson Hall, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
authors.forename: Dawn P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Brewer
authors.forename: Christina S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Catlett
authors.forename: Katie N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Porter
authors.forename: Jung Sun
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Dorothy B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Hausman
authors.forename: Sudha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.forename: Mary Ann
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: 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