Development of an approach for identifying overnutrition among older adults in community health care settings: an opinion paper

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Background: Along with demographic changes, a larger number of older adults may encounter health risks related to overweight and obesity. According to the obesity paradox, it is still uncertain whether nutritional interventions aiming at weight loss in older adults has favorable or adverse effects on health.
Aims: We aim to propose an approach that can be applied in community health care settings for identifying overnutrition among older adults with overweight or obesity in order to find those who may benefit from a nutritional intervention aimed at controlling body weight and maintaining or increasing physical function and quality of life. A second aim is to substantiate the proposed approach with results from the scientific literature on nutritional interventions.
Methods: The approach was developed in a stepwise, followed by a narrative literature review.
Results: The approach proposed for risk screening of older adults includes BMI 25 kg/m2
, minimum one physical function criterion (muscle strength or physical performance) or one metabolic criterion (presence of non-communicable disease (NCDs)). Appropriate
criteria, assessment tools and cut-off values adapted to older adults in community care settings are proposed for both. A total of 10 intervention studies (13 papers)identifiedin the narrativeliterature search supports that nutritional interventions including exercise are
Conclusion: An approach was proposed including screening for BMI 25, functional and NCD criterion. The approach confirmed by a narrative literature review, revealed a high heterogeneity of
nutritional intervention studies in overweight and obese adults in community health care settings.
Original languageEnglish
JournalClinical Nutrition Open Science
Volume47
Pages (from-to)102-120
Number of pages19
ISSN2667-2685
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

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