Age Differences in the Association Between Body Mass Index Class and Annualized Medicare Expenditures

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) class and Medicare claims among young-old (65–69), old (70–74), and old-old (75+) adults over a 10-year period. Method We assessed costs by BMI class and age group among 9,300 respondents to the 1998 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) with linked 1998–2008 Medicare claims data. BMI was classified as normal (18.5–24.9), overweight (25–29.9), mild obesity (30–34.9), or severe obesity (35 or above). Results Annualized total Medicare claims adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, education, and smoking history were 109% greater for severely obese young-old adults in comparison with normal weight young-old adults (US$9,751 vs. US$4,663). Total annualized claim differences between the normal weight and severely obese in the old and old-old groups were not statistically significant. Discussion Excess Medicare expenditures related to obesity may be concentrated among severely obese young-old adults. Preventing severe obesity among middle and older aged adults may have large cost implications for society.

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Energiebilanz bei Forstwirten

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