Nutritional Status of Older Adults Who Are Overweight or Obese Compared to Those with a Healthy Weight, NHANES 2011–2014 (P01-001-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesThe purpose was to evaluate nutritional status, food security, and related health factors of older adults who were overweight or obese compared to those with a healthy weight. MethodsData from 2969 adults aged ≥60 years from NHANES 2011–2014 were analyzed. Participants were categorized by sex and body weight status as healthy weight (body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) 18.5–24.9), overweight (BMI 25–29.9), or obese (BMI ≥ 30); underweight individuals were excluded. Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 scores and total usual micronutrient intakes from foods and dietary supplements were estimated using two 24-hour dietary recalls and the National Cancer Institute method. Nutritional biomarkers, including serum vitamin D, vitamin B-12, and methylmalonic acid, and cardiometabolic risk factors were also assessed. ResultsA substantial proportion of older adults (>30%) had intakes below Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) for calcium, magnesium, and vitamins C and D even with dietary supplements. Men and women with obesity had a higher prevalence of usual magnesium intakes <EAR compared to those with a healthy weight; among women only, the same was true for calcium, vitamins B-6 and D. Both men and women with obesity had significantly lower HEI-2015 scores than those with a healthy weight. The proportion of those with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 40 nmol/L was higher in women with obesity (12%) than in women with a healthy weight (6%). Men and women who were overweight or obese were more likely to self-report fair/poor health, use ≥5 medications, and have cardiometabolic risk factors, including elevated blood pressure, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, compared to individuals with a healthy weight. Women with obesity were more likely to be food-insecure and depressed, while men with obesity were less likely to consume government/community meals, compared to their counterparts. ConclusionsOlder adults with obesity had higher risk of inadequate intakes for several key micronutrients, lower overall dietary quality, and higher prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors compared to older adults with a healthy weight. Funding SourcesThis work was supported by the National Institutes of Health.