Normal Weight Obesity and Normal Weight Central Obesity is Associated with Geriatric Syndromes in Hospitalized Older Adults

Abstract

Background and aims:Current evidence shows that it is possible to find excessive body fat and central obesity in the normal range of Body mass index. These obesity phenotypes are recognized as Normal Weight Obesity (NWO) and Normal Weight Central Obesity (NWCO). Our study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of NWO and NWCO and its associated factors in hospitalized older adults. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study involving older patients at a University Hospital in Northeastern of Brazil. The NWO was determined by the coexistence of normal BMI (18.5-25 kg/m 2 ) and high fat percentage (> 33.5% for men and > 42.8% for women). The NWCO was determined by the coexistence of normal BMI and a very increased waist circumference (≥ 102 cm for men and ≥ 88 cm for women). Demographic data, clinical, geriatric, behavior and nutritional aspects were also collected. Results: The prevalence of NWO was 8% and NWCO was 7.4%. NWO was associated to weight loss (p = 0.006), calf circumference (p < 0.001), low muscle mass (p < 0.001) and sarcopenia (p < 0.001). The frequency of NWCO was higher in women (p < 0.001), also in those who presented weight loss (p = 0.04), in patients with lower calf circumference (p < 0.001), low muscle mass (p < 0.001), low muscle strength (p = 0.018), in sarcopenic (p < 0.001), in fragile (p = 0.049) and those with functional dependency (p = 0.004). Conclusion:The risk factors associated with NWO were weight loss ≥ 5%, low muscle mass and sarcopenia. The risk factors to NWCO were sex (women), weight loss ≥ 5%, functional dependency, low muscle mass, low muscle strength, sarcopenia and frailty.