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A systematic review of the literature concerning the relationship between obesity and mortality in the elderly

  • JNHA: Geriatric Science
  • Published:
The journal of nutrition, health & aging

Abstract

Introduction

Obesity is a risk factor for chronic diseases and premature mortality, but the extent of these associations among the elderly is under debate. The aim of this systematic literature review (SR) is to collate and critically assess the available information of the impact of obesity on mortality in the elderly.

Methods

In PubMed, there are three-hundred twelve papers on the relationship between obesity and mortality among older adults. These papers were analysed on the basis of their abstracts, and sixteen studies were considered suitable for the purpose of the study. It was possible to perform a pooled estimate for aggregated data in three different studies.

Conclusion

The results of this SR document that an increased mortality in obese older adults. The limitation of BMI to index obesity and the noted protective action of a moderate increase in BMI on mortality are highlighted. Waist circumference is an indicator of central adiposity and potentially as good a risk factor for mortality as BMI in obese elderly adults.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Lorenzo M. Donini, E. Gennaro, M. M. Pandolfo, V. Del Balzo & C. Cannella

  2. Rehabilitation Clinical Institute, Villa delle Querce, Nemi Rome, Italy

    C. Savina & M. R. De Felice

  3. Agenzia di Sanità Pubblica, Regione Lazio, Italy

    A. Rosano

  4. Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Université of Angers, INSERM, Angers, France

    P. Ritz

  5. Lifespan Health Research Center, Department of Community Health, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, 45420, USA

    Wm. C. Chumlea

  6. Department of Medical Physiopathology (Food Science Unit), “Sapienza” University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5 - 00185, Rome, Italy

    Lorenzo M. Donini

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  1. Lorenzo M. Donini
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  2. C. Savina
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Correspondence to Lorenzo M. Donini.

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Donini, L.M., Savina, C., Gennaro, E. et al. A systematic review of the literature concerning the relationship between obesity and mortality in the elderly. J Nutr Health Aging 16, 89–98 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-011-0073-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12603-011-0073-x

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