Original Research Articles
Distribution and correlates of Body Mass Index in the elderly residents of the Colombo District
Authors:
- R PereraEmail R Perera
- L Ekanayake
Abstract
Objective: To determine the distribution and correlates of body mass index in the elderly residents of the Colombo District.
Methodology: The sample consisted of 452 subjects aged 60 years and above residing in the Colombo district of Sri Lanka. Data collection included a physical examination and an interviewer administered questionnaire.
Results: The mean BMI was significantly higher in females and the 60-70 year olds compared to males and >70 year olds. Of the sample, 46% was normal weight while 20, 16 and 18% were under weight, over weight and obese respectively. Age, gender and ethnicity were associated with being obese while ethnicity was associated with being overweight.
Conclusion: The results indicate that the prevalence of under nutrition and overweight/ obesity was high in this sample of the elderly.
Journal of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka Vol.17(2) June 2012 9-14- Year: 2012
- Volume: 17 Issue: 1
- Page/Article: 9-14
- DOI: 10.4038/jccpsl.v17i1.4930
- Published on 26 Nov 2012
- Peer Reviewed