Anthropometric characteristics and body composition were assessed in a group of 93 institutionalized elderly people, mean age 80.9 +/- 7.6 years, in Granada (Spain). The body composition was measured by the bioelectrical impedance technique. The influence of dietary energy intake, lifestyle, physical activity and health data were studied. Forty-five per cent of the women and 17% of the men were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) and 78% of the women and 54% of the men were overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2). Only 12% of men and 4% of women suffered from undernutrition (BMI < 20 kg/m2). No significant correlations (P > 0.05) were found between BMI or body fat percentage and energy intake. Lifestyle and health data do not affect the BMI or body composition, but a significant negative correlation (P < 0.05) was found between the physical handicap level and the energy intake in all the sample (r = -0.26) and in the women (r = -0.16).