Weight perceptions in older adults: findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Issue 2 (9th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jackson, Sarah E; Smith, Lee; Steptoe, Andrew
• Is Part Of: BMJ open. Volume 10:Issue 2(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-02-09
• Subjects: geriatric medicine -- public health -- epidemiology; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.72
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033773
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-6055

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To explore weight perceptions in a large, nationally representative sample of older adults, and the extent to which they differ according to age and perceived health status. Setting: England. Participants: 5240 men and women (≥50 years old) participating in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2016/2017). Main outcome measures: Weight perception was self-reported as too heavy, too light or about right. Results: The majority of older adults endorsed a weight perception that matched their (objectively measured) body mass index (BMI) classification. However, 1 in 10 (9.9%) older adults classified by BMI as normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m 2 ) felt too light, with women at the upper end of the older age spectrum (OR=1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.09), and men (OR=3.70, 95% CI 1.88 to 7.28) and women (OR=2.61, 95% CI 1.27 to 5.35) in poorer health more likely to do so. Almost half (44.8%) of older adults classified as overweight (25–29.9 kg/m 2 ) and 1 in 10 (10.3%) classified as obese (≥30 kg/m 2 ) felt about the right weight, with this observed more frequently among men and women at the upper end of the older age spectrum (OR range 1.04–1.06). Conclusion: Older adults' perceptions of their own weight generally correspond with traditional BMI cut-offs for normal weight, overweight and obesity. However, a substantial minority 'underestimate' their weight status, with those at the upper end of the age spectrum and those in poorer health more likely to do so.