Stratification of BMI categories among older adults within and across countries

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Carmen D Ng, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2020-02-01
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © The Authors 2019
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1368980019001587
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 2
• Start Page: 254
• End Page: 263
• Keywords: BMI; Stratification; Development; Nutrition
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Objective: Within- and across-country nutritional disparities were examined among older adults in six different countries at varying levels of development. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: Older adults (aged 50 years or over) in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa using the Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE). Results: While the distribution of BMI categories varied by country, development-related characteristics were generally related to BMI category in a similar way: urban-living, educated and wealthier individuals were typically more likely to be in a higher BMI category. However, there were some exceptions that corroborate findings in more developed countries. Indeed, a pooled partial proportional odds model which included gross domestic product per capita interactions made the case for intertwining processes of development and the nutrition transition. Conclusions: Population segments to be targeted by nutrition policy and programme implementation might need to change over the course of development.