Discover the often-overlooked challenge of undernutrition in obese older adults, and learn how body fat percentage plays a crucial role in their dietary health.
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Undernutrition in obese older adults by fat percentage.
Bozkurt et al., Aging Clin Exp Res 2024
DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02650-1
Summary of Findings:
The study highlights the often-overlooked issue of undernutrition in obese older adults, emphasizing that obesity by fat percentage does not preclude the risk of malnutrition. Analyzing data from 2013 patients aged ≥60 years, 296 of whom were classified as obese based on fat percentage, the study found a 19.6% prevalence of undernutrition among these individuals. Factors such as age, sex, educational status, physical activity, depression, swallowing and chewing difficulties, sarcopenia, chronic diseases, and instrumental activities of daily living were initially linked to undernutrition. However, after multivariate analysis, depression and low daily physical activity emerged as independent predictors of malnutrition.
Importance:
This research is important as it challenges the misconception that obesity is protective against malnutrition in the elderly. It underscores the need for healthcare providers to screen for undernutrition in obese older adults, particularly those with depression and low levels of physical activity.
Contribution to Literature:
The study contributes to the current literature by providing evidence of the high prevalence of undernutrition in a specific population—obese older adults—and identifying key factors associated with this condition. It advocates for a change in clinical practice regarding nutritional assessments in this demographic.