Association of obesity and bone disease among older adults in India: Role of modifiable risk factors

Abstract

Background/objectives: Obesity and bone diseases have increased substantially worldwide in the last three decades, particularly among older adults. This study assesses the association between obesity and bone disease among older adults in India. Methods: The data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) was considered for analysis. A total of 65,173 individuals above the age of 45 years were analyzed. The descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression and mediation analysis are done to analyse the determinants of obesity and bone diseases. Results: Sixteen percent of the older adults in India had bone diseases. Females (OR = 1.453, 95%CI = 1.254,1.684) with obesity (OR = 1.571, 95%CI = 1.344,1.837), those aged more than 70 years (OR = 1.834, 95% CI = 1.540,2.184), not in union, from SC category, from rural areas, consumed tobacco (OR = 1.269, 95%CI = 1.209, 1.331) and alcohol (OR = 0.902, 95%CI = 0.867, 0.950), and with no physical activity (OR = 1.228, 95%CI = 1.087, 1.387) in daily life had higher risks of bone diseases. The results of the mediation analysis showed the relationship between bone disease and overweight/obesity was significantly mediated by the three modifiable risk factors: alcohol intake, smoking, and physical activity. Conclusion: The association between obesity and bone disease was found to be statistically significant in this study. Women, not-in-union, the older, and those without any education, those have lack of health awareness are more likely to develop bone-related issues in their later life. Research investigating the relationship between obesity and bone health has the potential to identify novel targets for the treatment of bone-related illnesses, such as osteoporosis, fractures, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Keywords

• Obesity
• Bone diseases
• Older adults
• India