Weight Loss and Weight Gain: Multi-Level Determinants Associated with Resident 3-Month Weight Change in Long-Term Care

Abstract

This study examined factors associated with weight change in 535 residents in 32 long term care homes where 3-month weight records were available. Trained researchers and standardized measures (e.g., nutrition status, food intake, home characteristics) were used to collect data; weight change was defined as ±2.5%. Just over 25% of the sample lost and 21% gained weight. Weight stability was compared to loss or gain. Weight loss was associated with being male, malnourished (MNA-SF or BMI <25), energy and protein intake and oral nutritional supplement use, while weight gain was associated with being female, and a physically (e.g., less noise) and socially supportive dining room. Weight stability was associated with better cognition. A high proportion of residents had a significant weight change in 3 months. Modifiable factors associated with weight stability or gain suggest focusing interventions that promote food intake and improve the mealtime environment.

Keywords:

• Long term care
• nutritional status
• weight

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author [HK].

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research under Grant [#201403MOP-326892-NUT-CENA-25463].