Weight perceptions in older adults: findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

Abstract

ObjectivesTo explore weight perceptions in a large, nationally representative sample of older adults, and the extent to which they differ according to age and perceived health status.SettingEngland.Participants5240 men and women (≥50 years old) participating in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2016/2017).Main outcome measuresWeight perception was self-reported as too heavy, too light or about right.ResultsThe majority of older adults endorsed a weight perception that matched their (objectively measured) body mass index (BMI) classification. However, 1 in 10 (9.9%) older adults classified by BMI as normal weight (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) felt too light, with women at the upper end of the older age spectrum (OR=1.04, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.09), and men (OR=3.70, 95% CI 1.88 to 7.28) and women (OR=2.61, 95% CI 1.27 to 5.35) in poorer health more likely to do so. Almost half (44.8%) of older adults classified as overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2) and 1 in 10 (10.3%) classified as obese (≥30 kg/m2) felt about the right weight, with this observed more frequently among men and women at the upper end of the older age spectrum (OR range 1.04–1.06).ConclusionOlder adults’ perceptions of their own weight generally correspond with traditional BMI cut-offs for normal weight, overweight and obesity. However, a substantial minority ‘underestimate’ their weight status, with those at the upper end of the age spectrum and those in poorer health more likely to do so.