General and Central Adiposity in Older Adults in Palmas (TO): Prevalence and Associated Factors

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and associated factors with general and central adiposity in older adults in Palmas (TO).

Methods: Cross-sectional study with older adults (≥60 years) of both sexes enrolled in the Family Health Strategy program in Palmas (TO). Sociodemographic aspects, health conditions, and functionality were evaluated as independent variables and Body Mass Index (BMI) for general adiposity and Waist Circumference (WC) for central adiposity as dependent variables. Descriptive analysis and hierarchical multiple Poisson regression with robust variance were performed.

Results: A total of 449 seniors (50.6% women) from 60 to 92 years of age, average of 68.3 years, were evaluated. The prevalence of general adiposity was 46.8% (95% CI: 42.2%–51.4%) and central adiposity was 78.8% (95% CI: 74.7%–82.3%). The prevalence of both outcomes was significantly higher among women and the participants with a history of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and rheumatic diseases and those dependent in activities of daily living (ADL) than among men. Lower frequency of adiposity (general and central) was found with increasing age. After adjustment, the prevalence of both outcomes was significantly higher in women aged 70–79 years and hypertensive.

Conclusions: The results of this study confirm the need to establish nutritional status monitoring and direct obesity prevention and control interventions in programs to promote health and quality of life of older adults and those in the stages prior to old age.

Keywords:

• Elderly
• obesity
• prevalence
• functionality
• nutrition

Acknowledgments

To the researchers who collected the data and support from the Study and Practice Group on Aging, Nutrition and Health (GREENS) of the Department of Nutrition and Health of the Federal University of Viçosa.

Disclosure statement

There is no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Higher Education Personnel Improvement Coordination (CAPES) under Grant number 190815/2014.