Behavioral Risk Factors Linked to Overweight and Obesity in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Judy Kruger, Sandra A. Ham, Thomas R. Prohaska
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
What behaviors are associated with overweight and obesity among older adults?
Conclusion
Certain risk behaviors for chronic disease are linked to overweight and obesity in older adults, and changing these behaviors could help reduce weight.
Supporting Evidence
- 46.3% of older men were overweight and 25.1% were obese.
- 33.4% of older women were overweight and 28.8% were obese.
- Inactive men were 39% more likely to be obese compared to active men.
- Heavy drinking women were 55% less likely to be obese than nondrinkers.
Takeaway
Older adults who don't exercise, eat enough fruits and vegetables, or drink alcohol moderately are more likely to be overweight or obese.
Methodology
Data from the 2005 National Health Interview Survey was analyzed using logistic regression to assess the likelihood of being overweight or obese based on various health behaviors.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may lead to misclassification bias, as individuals often underestimate weight and overestimate height.
Limitations
The study is cross-sectional, which limits causal interpretations, and relies on self-reported data, which may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adults aged 50 years or older, with a majority being non-Hispanic white and having an annual family income of $20,000 or more.
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