Obesity and its associated factors among older adults: MyHEBAT (Malaysian HEalth and Well-Being AssessmenT) study

BACKGROUND: Despite being a preventable disease, the prevalence of obesity is rising progressively worldwide. However, the prevalence of obesity and its associated factors among older adults remains unclear in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of obesity and its associated factors among older adults who voluntarily attended the health screening programs, which were part of the Malaysian HEalth and Well-Being AssessmenT (My-HEBAT) Study.

METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted among Malaysian adults, aged ≥60 years. A standardized self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information regarding socio-demographic status, personal, family and medical history. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure and physical examinations were conducted on site. Venous blood samples were collected for lipid profile and blood glucose analysis. Participants with BMI of ≥30 kg/m2 or < 30kg/m2 were classified as obese or non-obese respectively. Age was categorized into three subgroups: 60-69, 70-79, and ≥80 years old. The factors associated with obesity among older adults were then identified using multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS: A total of 716 older adults aged ≥60 years (mean ± SD: 66.6 ± 6.0 years) were recruited. The prevalence of obesity among older adults was 15.8%, while higher prevalence was found among females (42.9%) compared to males (38.3%). The prevalence of obesity decreased with increasing age (48.5% in 60-69 years, 20.8% in 70-79 years, and 11.8% in ≥80 years).

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity among Malaysian population is higher than that of worldwide prevalence. Current national health promotion and educational programs should focus on identifying factors associated with obesity, and promotion of healthy lifestyle with obesity should be improved and modified, particularly for older adults in Malaysia.