Variation in and Correlates of Body Mass Status of Older Singaporean Men and Women

Abstract

This study describes the body mass status of older (≥60 years) Singaporeans, using the international and Asian body mass index (BMI) classifications, assesses sociodemographic correlates of BMI, underweight, obesity, and "high-risk" BMI (≥27.5 kg/m(2)), and ascertains the relationship between body mass and important health outcomes. Prevalence of underweight, obesity, and high-risk BMI among 4371 older Singaporeans was 6.8%, 7.4%, and 18.6%, respectively. Women (vs men) and Malays and Indians (vs Chinese) were more likely to have obesity or high-risk BMI. Increasing education decreased the odds of obesity and high-risk BMI only among women. Prevalence and odds of various health conditions was similar in corresponding categories of the two BMI classifications. Whereas the prevalence of obesity is lower among elderly in Singapore than in many other countries, the prevalence of high-risk BMI is considerable. It is important to address high-risk BMI among them, with elderly of minority ethnic groups, especially females, being a priority.