Obesity in older adults: Epidemiology and implications for disability and disease

Rafael Samper-Ternent, Soham Al Snih

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

111 Scopus citations

Abstract

Obesity is a worldwide problem with increasing prevalence and incidence in both developed and developing countries. In older adults, excess weight is associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, several important cancers, and numerous other medical conditions. Obesity has also been associated with increased functional limitations, disability, and poorer quality of life. Additionally, obesity has been independently associated with all-cause mortality. The obesity epidemic has important social and economic implications, representing an important source of increased public health care costs. The aim of this review is to report the epidemiology of obesity worldwide, and the implications of obesity on disability and chronic diseases in older adults.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)10-34
Number of pages25
JournalReviews in Clinical Gerontology
Volume22
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2012

Keywords

  • chronic disease
  • disability
  • obesity
  • older adults

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gerontology
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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