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Health consequences of obesity in the elderly: A review

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Abstract

A progressive increase in the prevalence of obesity, even among the elderly, has been observed, particularly in developed countries. For many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, the relationship between adiposity and morbidity appears similar in the elderly and the general population. The relationship with mortality in the elderly has been more controversial, especially for those aged 70 years or more. In most studies using appropriate methodology, higher mortality is observed in extremes of body mass index. Due to physiologic changes of aging, other anthropometric measures may better capture the changes in body fat percent and distribution with age.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 900 Commonwealth Avenue, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA, 02215, USA

    Kathryn M. Rexrode MD, MPH

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  1. Alessandra C. Goulart MD, PhD
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  2. Kathryn M. Rexrode MD, MPH
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Correspondence to Kathryn M. Rexrode MD, MPH.

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Goulart, A.C., Rexrode, K.M. Health consequences of obesity in the elderly: A review. Curr Cardio Risk Rep 1, 340–347 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-007-0055-z

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