Abstract
AbstractBackground: It has been suggested that obesity increases fall risk, based on diminished static balance and increased fall-related injury risk.Aim: To determine whether overweight and obese individuals have higher fall risk than individuals of average weight.Methods: A case control study conducted on140 elderly females participants aged 60 years and above. They were divided into 2 groups (Obese and Non obese) according to their Body Mass Index (BMI). A comprehensive geriatric assessment was done and risk of falls was assessed by Fall Risk Assessment Tool and timed up and go test.Results: Risk of falls assessed by both tools was higher among obese female elderly female compared to non-obese. Using timed up and go test 50% of obese subjects have positive risk of fall while only 20%of non-obese group at risk of fall.Conclusions: It was concluded that obese elderly females are at higher risk of falling than non-obese.
Highlights
It has been suggested that obesity increases fall risk, based on diminished static balance and increased fall-related injury risk
It was concluded that obese elderly females are at higher risk of falling than non-obese
The number of persons with disability and dependence is likely to increase over the decades. 1
Summary
It has been suggested that obesity increases fall risk, based on diminished static balance and increased fall-related injury risk. Older adults are a growing segment of the population worldwide. 1. Obesity is a rapidly increasing epidemic associated with has hazardous functional and economic implications in the elderly. 2. falls are among the important geriatric syndromes impeding the independence of elderly and it is usually a misdiagnosed and underreported problem in the primary health care with remarkable healthcare costs.. 30 to 40% of the community dwelling elderly fall; In the USA, falls are considered the leading cause of accidental death in elderly and the 7th leading cause of all deaths in people over 65 years, 75% of deaths caused by falls occur in the 13% of the population who are ≥65 years. 4. For older people, obesity can introduce or exacerbate existing health conditions (such as diabetes, arthritis or cardiovascular disease) 5 and can adversely affect an individual’s ability to perform day-to-day activities. Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of falls among older people. Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of falls among older people. 7
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