2025 Volume 14 Issue 3 Pages 123-130
This study aimed to clarify the physical function characteristics in older women according to obesity classification by body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage. The subjects for analysis were 222 older women aged ≥65 years who participated in a physical fitness test in 2023. According to BMI, obesity was classified as below target weight (18. 5-<22), target weight (22-<25), and obese (25-<30). Obesity classification according to body fat percentage was <30% as non-obese, ≥30% as obese I, and ≥35% as obese II. Patients were divided into groups based on obesity, BMI, and body fat percentage. Their physical functions were then compared. In the group based on BMI, obese and target weight subjects showed significantly lower muscle strength and one leg standing than below target weight subjects. In the group based on body fat percentage, obese II subjects had significantly lower muscle strength, balance, and walking ability than non-obese and obese I subjects. They showed a significantly low value. These results suggest that a body fat percentage of 35% is a better indicator of obesity than BMI in reflecting reduced physical function.
