Variations in body mass index among older Americans: the roles of social and lifestyle factors.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the correlates of body mass index (BMI) among a national sample of older adults in the United States.


METHODS
Data used in these analyses were part of the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Generalized ordered logistic regression was used to analyze difference between normal weight, overweight, moderately obese, and severely obese adults (n = 1,143) above the age of 65 years.


RESULTS
A higher BMI was more common among those with greater activities of daily living (ADL) limitations, greater use of prescription medicines (≥ 7), greater number of cardiovascular-related disorders (1 or ≥ 2), and those aged 65 to 74 years.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings acknowledge relationships between health characteristics, disability, and BMI among a national sample of older adults. These results suggest that prevention and management of health conditions, basic ADL, and BMI may be reasonable targets for intervention.
Ahn
Sangnam
S
Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, USA. snahn@srph.tamhsc.edu
Sharkey
Joseph R
JR
Smith
Matthew Lee
ML
Ory
Marcia G
MG
Phillips
Charles D
CD
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009752:Nutritional Status; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology