Zainab Ghassan Lutfi, Mohsin Ahmed Jasim, Riyadh Shiltagh Al-Rudaini and Mohammed Shaker Turky Al-Awady
Background: Malnutrition is a significant concern for elderly adults due to its impact on physical and cognitive function. This study investigates the prevalence and contributing factors of malnutrition in elderly outpatients in Baghdad, Iraq. The study aims to determine the prevalence of malnutrition, identify associated factors, and highlight the importance of combining BMI with muscle screening tools for a more comprehensive assessment.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used with 190 elderly outpatients recruited from Baghdad Teaching Hospital. Data collection included demographics, anthropometric measurements {body mass index (BMI), Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), calf circumference (CC)}, and body composition analysis.
Results: The study found a high prevalence of overweight and obesity (76.3%) with a concerning rise in obesity among the 60-69 age group. Females exhibited a higher obesity rate, and a history of chronic diseases was linked to a greater risk of overweight or obesity. Body composition analysis revealed concerning trends: over 88% had excess body fat mass, while over 35% suffered from low Skeletal Muscle Mass (SMM) Low MUAC and CC were significantly associated with lean arms and legs, respectively, indicating potential malnutrition.
Conclusions: This study highlights a critical public health concern of high overweight/obesity prevalence and low muscle mass in elderly outpatients. BMI limitations as a sole indicator and the importance of incorporating muscle screening tools are emphasized. The study recommends weight management programs, interventions promoting physical activity and healthy eating, and exploring alternative body composition assessment methods alongside BMI for elderly patient evaluation.
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