[Nutritional status and associated factors among the elderly in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil].
This cross-sectional study in 2009 focused on the prevalence of underweight and overweight and associated factors in a sample of 621 elderly individuals in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Data were obtained through home interviews on nutritional status and socio-demographic and health conditions. Of the total sample, 53.3% were females. Median BMI was 26.40 kg/m² (range = 15.20-46.82) and was lower for men than for women. Prevalence of overweight was high (45%; 95%CI: 40%-49%), decreased with age, was positively associated with female gender and history of arthritis/arthrosis, and was negatively associated with age 80 years or older and smoking. Prevalence of underweight was high in men (18.2%), increased with age, and was positively associated with worse self-rated health. The findings highlight the importance of health strategies that favor lifestyle changes and healthy eating habits.
Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Rua João Alfredo 180, Viçosa, MG, Brazil. clarissamn@hotmail.com
Clarissa de Matos
Cde M
Nascimento
Andréia Queiroz
AQ
Ribeiro
Rosângela Minardi Mitre
RM
Cotta
Francisco de Assis
Fde A
Acurcio
Sérgio Viana
SV
Peixoto
Silvia Eloiza
SE
Priore
Sylvia do Carmo Castro
Sdo C
Franceschini
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013851:Thinness / Q000453:epidemiology*