Mixed
High percentage of body fat and high BMI (≥30 for women, ≥35 for men) are associated with approximately double the likelihood of mobility-related functional limitations in adults aged 70 and older.
If you are over 70, maintaining a healthy body fat percentage and BMI is crucial for staying mobile. This study found that high body fat and high BMI significantly increase the risk of mobility issues, while low muscle mass alone did not show the same strong link. Focus on managing body composition through physical activity and diet rather than just trying to build muscle mass.
Women in the highest quintile for percentage of body fat and women with a BMI of 30 or greater were two times more likely to report functional limitations than women in the comparison groups. Similar, but weaker, relationships were found among men; men in the highest quintile for body fat and men with a BMI of 35 or greater were 1.5 times more likely to report limitations.
Why this rating
Large, population-representative cross-sectional sample (NHANES III), though causality is limited by cross-sectional design.
Source
Percentage of Body Fat and Body Mass Index Are Associated with Mobility Limitations in People Aged 70 and Older from NHANES III
Kirsten K. Davison et al. · Journal of the American Geriatrics Society · 2002
DOI 10.1046/j.1532-5415.2002.50508.x
Related findings · Mixed
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