Abstract :
To look at the trends in prevalence of generalised (body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2) and
abdominal obesity (waist circumference (WC) >102cm, men; >88cm, women) among older people from 1993 to
2008, prevalence of chronic disease by overweight/obesity and WC categories in England 2005 and evaluate the
association of these measures with chronic diseases. Design: Analyses of nationally representative cross-sectional
population surveys, the Health Survey for England (HSE). Participants: Non-institutionalised men and women
aged ≥ 65years (in HSE 2005, 1512 men and 1747 women). Measurements: Height, weight, waist circumference,
blood pressure measurements were taken according to standardised HSE protocols. Information collected on
socio-demographic, health behaviour and doctor diagnosed health conditions. Results: Generalised obesity and
abdominal obesity increased among men and women from 1993 to 2008. In 2005, the HSE 2005 focussed on
older people. 72% of men and 68% of women aged over 65 were either overweight or obese. Prevalence of raised
WC was higher in women (58%) than in men (46%). The prevalence of diabetes and arthritis was higher in
people with generalised obesity in both sexes. Men were more likely to have had a joint replacement and had a
higher prevalence of stroke if they were overweight only but women were more likely to have had a joint
replacement only if they were obese (13%) and had a higher risk of falls with generalised obesity. The pattern
was similar for the prevalence of chronic diseases by raised WC. Multivariate analysis showed that generalised
and abdominal obesity was independently associated with risk of hypertension, diabetes and arthritis in both men
and women. In women only, there was an association between generalised obesity and having a fall in the last
year (OR: 1.5), and between abdominal obesity and having a joint replacement (OR: 1.9, p=0.01). Conclusion:
Complications of obesity such as diabetes, hypertension and arthritis, are more common in men and women aged
over 65 who are overweight or obese, as well as in those with a raised WC. These conditions impact on
morbidity, mortality and have cost implications for the health service and are known to improve with weight loss
even in old age. Treatment strategies to address these conditions such as weight management and prevention of
overweight and obesity are important even in older people. There is a need to ensure that older people are given
appropriate advice about keeping physically active and eating sensibly
Keywords :
obesity , Chronic diseases , older people , Population survey
