Prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity in Spanish population aged 65 years and over: ENPE study

Abstract

Background and objectives: To assess the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity (AO) in the Spanish population aged ≥65 years, to analyse the influence of selected sociodemographic factors and association with risk factors.

Methods: The sample comes from the ENPE study, a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of the non-institutionalized population (2014-2015). This analysis refers to the population ≥65 years (n=1,233). Trained observers performed anthropometric measurements at participants' homes following standard international protocols. Obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥30; AO waist>102cm men; >88cm women.

Results: Estimated prevalence of obesity in adults ≥65 years was high, higher in women (40.1% [95% CI 36.4-43.8]) than in men (32.5% [95% CI 28.5-36.8]). The prevalence of AO was also higher in women (69.9% [95% CI 66.4-73.1]) than in men (40.7% [95% CI 36.5-44.8]), and estimates were even higher when defining AO by waist-hip ratio or waist-height ratio. Of those classified as AO, 39.8% have a BMI between 25-29. Obesity and AO are higher in the South region compared to East, North-East and Central regions and showed inverse association with educational level. Obesity and AO were associated with increased probability of hypercholesterolaemia and high blood pressure, sarcopenic obesity, and diabetes.

Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity and AO in adults aged ≥65 years is high, higher in women, in people of lower educational level and in the South region compared to East, North-East and Central regions. The high prevalence of OA is especially worrying due to its association with cardiovascular and metabolic complications and poorer quality of life.

Keywords: Abdominal obesity; Adultos mayores; Factores de riesgo; Obesidad; Obesidad abdominal; Obesity; Older adults; Risk factors; Sarcopenia.