Prevalence and risk factors of underweight, overweight and obesity among a geriatric population living in a high-altitude region of rural Uttarakhand, India.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and risk factors of underweight, overweight and obesity among a geriatric population living in a high-altitude region of India.

DESIGN: Community-based cross-sectional study. Data were collected on sociodemographic profile and anthropometric parameters. Weight and height measurements were utilized for calculation of BMI. Nutrient intake data were collected using 24 h dietary recall.

SETTING: High-altitude region of Nainital District, Uttarakhand State, North India.

SUBJECTS: Community-dwelling geriatric subjects (n 981) aged 60 years or above.

RESULTS: We found that 26·6 % of the elderly subjects were underweight (BMI<18·5 kg/m2). Overweight (BMI 25·0-29·9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI≥30·0 kg/m2) was seen among 18·0 % and 4·6 %, respectively. After controlling for potential cofounders, risk factors such as low level of education and income, chewing problems and lower number of daily meals were found to be associated with underweight. On the other hand, risk factors for overweight/obesity were lower age, high income and unskilled work.

CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to develop and implement intervention strategies to prevent underweight, overweight and obesity among the geriatric population of India.