Objectives: This study aimed to better understand Class II/III obesity prevalence trends among older adults residing in nursing homes (NH) nationwide.
Methods: Our retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated Class II/III obesity (BMI ≥35 kg/m²) prevalence among NH residents in two independent national NH cohorts. We used databases from Veterans Administration NHs called Community Living Centers (CLCs) covering 7 years to 2022, and Rhode Island Medicare data covering 20 years ending in 2020. We also performed forecasting regression analysis of obesity trends.
Results: While VA CLC resident obesity prevalence was less overall and dipped during the COVID-19 pandemic, obesity prevalence increased in NH residents in both cohorts over the last decade and is predicted to do so through 2030.
Conclusion: Obesity prevalence in NHs is on the rise. It will be important to understand clinical, functional, and financial implications for NHs, particularly if predictions on increases materialize.
Keywords: COVID-19; nursing homes; obesity.