Body Weight Change in Older People During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from the Berlin Aging Study II (BASE-II)
2024
Body Weight Change in Older People During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Sample size: 472
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Vetter Valentin, Drewelies Johanna, Düzel Sandra, Homann Jan, Bertram Lars, Regitz-Zagrosek Vera, Gerstorf Denis, Demuth Ilja
Primary Institution: Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Hypothesis
How did body weight change in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Conclusion
Older adults lost more weight than expected during the COVID-19 pandemic, contrary to general trends.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults lost an average of 0.87% of body weight per year for women and 0.5% for men.
- Men with low positive affect and diagnosed metabolic syndrome lost weight at a higher rate.
Takeaway
Older people lost weight during the pandemic, which is surprising because most people gained weight.
Methodology
Weight change was assessed at four timepoints over an average follow-up of 10 years.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 67.5 years, with 48% being women.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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