Distribution and correlates of Body Mass Index in the elderly residents of the Colombo District

Abstract

Objective: To determine the distribution and correlates of body mass index in the elderly residents of the Colombo District. Methodology: The sample consisted of 452 subjects aged 60 years and above residing in the Colombo district of Sri Lanka. Data collection included a physical examination and an interviewer administered questionnaire. Results: The mean BMI was significantly higher in females and the 60-70 year olds compared to males and >70 year olds. Of the sample, 46% was normal weight while 20, 16 and 18% were under weight, over weight and obese respectively. Age, gender and ethnicity were associated with being obese while ethnicity was associated with being overweight. Conclusion: The results indicate that the prevalence of under nutrition and overweight/ obesity was high in this sample of the elderly. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/jccpsl.v17i1.4930 Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka Vol.17(2) June 2012 9-14

Keywords

• bmi
• the elderly
• obesity
• overweight
• under weight