Energy balance
Higher BMI (Class 2+ obesity, ≥35 kg/m2) is consistently associated with increased odds of mobility, severe mobility, and IADL disability in older adults with type 2 diabetes, regardless of intervention group.
Maintaining a BMI below 35 kg/m2 is crucial for preserving mobility and independence in older adults with type 2 diabetes. While moderate weight loss might not be the primary goal for everyone, avoiding Class 2+ obesity (BMI ≥35) is strongly associated with lower risks of severe mobility and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability.
Participants with BMI ≥35 kg/m2 had higher odds of mobility disability (2.06 [1.57-2.70]), severe mobility disability (2.52 [1.79-3.56]), and IADL disability (OR [95% CI]: 2.15 [1.53-3.02]) compared to those with BMI <30 kg/m2.
Why this rating
Large sample size, long follow-up, and consistent findings across multiple disability domains.
Source
Late-life disability following the action for health in diabetes (Look AHEAD) trial
Charles Semelka et al. · The Journals of Gerontology Series A · 2025
DOI 10.1093/gerona/glaf245
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