Impact of Obesity and Weight Changes on Disability and Mortality in Brazilian Older Adults

Flavia Andrade, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Maria Lebrao, Universidade de São Paulo
Yeda Duarte, Universidade de São Paulo
Ahmad Nazan, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Obesity has been associated with higher levels of disability and mortality, but little is known about these associations in Brazil. This was evaluated using two waves (2000, 2006) of the SABE study conducted in São Paulo, Brazil. Logistic and multinomial regression models adjusting for cofounders revealed individuals who were obese were more likely to have functional limitations than those of normal weight - ADL (OR=5.0, 95% CI: 3.6-6.9) and IADL (OR=3.5, 95% CI: 2.6-4.8). Obesity was associated with higher incidence of limitations and of remaining with limitations. Compared to those who maintained their weight, those who gained weight experienced higher incidence of ADL (RRR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.11-4.77) and IADL (RRR=2.07, 95% CI: 1.05-4.10), even after controlling for initial body mass index. There were no mortality differentials between overweight and normal subjects. Results underline the importance of maintaining normal weight and weight maintenance for prevention of disability at older ages.