Comparison of body weight changes and life styles between obese and non-obese groups aged 60 years or over

Abstract

  The purpose of this study was to examine factors that lead to obesity, such as body weight change, nutrient intake, eating habits and physical activity. Thirtyfour older adults aged 60 years or over living in Nagoya city were divided into two groups: Obese Group (BMI ≥ 25.0kg/m²) and Nonobese Group (BMI< 25.0kg/m²). Their threeday nutrient and food intake, eating habits, and body weight at the age of 20 and 40 years were investigated. Their physical activity was monitored with a pedometer equipped with an accelerometer for 14 days. As a result, 13 Obese Group adults (64.9 ± 4.6 years old) and 21 Nonobese Group adults (66.8 ± 6.9 years old) had no significant difference in their body weight at the age of 20, while their body weight at the age of 40 and at the time of this investigation showed significant differences. The Obese Group significantly increased their body weight from 20 years old to 40 years old by 10.9kg, and additional 2.3kg at this investigation. On the other hand, the Nonobese group increased only 2.4kg from 20 years old to this investigation. The Obese Group had a higher rate of life-style related diseases, and showed higher health risks. The Obese Group consumed significantly more carbohydrates, and significantly less protein, calcium, vitamin B₁, vitamin B₂, fish and seafood than the Nonobese Group. The Obese Group demonstrated eating habits that may lead to obesity, such as spending little time for breakfast and lunch, eating between meals, and not paying attention to the quantity served. There was no significant difference in the physical activity with regard to frequency, duration and experience of exercise, number of steps, energy expenditure and intensity of physical activity. Effective physical activity programs or dietary instructions need to be provided to the obese adults for their weight control.