Obesity, malnutrition, and physical performance in adults aged 55 and over in Cameroon

Obesity, malnutrition, and physical performance in adults aged 55 and over in Cameroon. Download PDF Abstract Obesity prevalence is increasing in all age groups, including older adults. In this population, obesity can mask age-related malnutrition, which in turn exacerbates physical performance decline.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity among older adults in Cameroon and to assess its association with nutritional status (malnutrition) and physical performance. Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study conducted among individuals aged 55 years and over, affiliated with a mutual health insurance company in Cameroon. Obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2.

Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment, with the risk of malnutrition defined as a score between 17 and 23.5. Physical performance was measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB, scored from 0 to 12), with low physical performance defined as an SPPB ≤ 9. After univariate analyses, multivariate regression was used to determine the factors independently associated with obesity.

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