Prevalence of Obesity and Malnutrition in Four Cohorts of Very Old Adults, 2000–2017

OBJECTIVES: Investigate trends in the prevalence of obesity and malnutrition among very old adults (age ≥ 85 years) between 2000 and 2017. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, MEASUREMENTS: A study with data from the Umeå 85+/Gerontological regional database population-based cohort study of very old adults in northern Sweden. Every 5 years from 2000-2002 to 2015-2017, comprehensive assessments of participants were performed during home visits (N=1602). Body mass index (BMI) classified participants as underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and obese (≥30.0 kg/m2). Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scores classified participants as malnourished (0 to <17), at risk of malnutrition (17-23.5), and having good nutritional status (24-30). Prevalence and trends were examined using analysis of variance and chi-squared tests, including subgroup analyses of nursing home residents. RESULTS: Between 2000-2002 and 2015-2017, the mean BMI increased from 24.8± 4.7 to 26.0± 4.7 kg/m2. The prevalence of obesity and underweight were 13.4% and 7.6%, respectively, in 2000-2002 and 18.3% and 3.0%, respectively, in 2015-2017. The mean MNA score increased between 2000-2002 and 2010-2012 (from 23.2± 4.7 to 24.2± 3.6), and had decreased (to 23.3± 4.2) by 2015-2017. The prevalence of malnutrition was 12.2%, 5.1%, and 8.7% in 2000-2002, 2010-2012, and 2015-2017, respectively. Subgroup analyses revealed similar BMI and MNA score patterns among nursing home residents. CONCLUSIONS: Among very old adults, the mean BMI and prevalence of obesity seemed to increase between 2000-2002 and 2015-2017. Meanwhile, the nutritional status (according to MNA scores) seemed to improve between 2000-2002 and 2010-2012, it declined by 2015-2017.