Stratification of BMI categories among older adults within and across countries

• Authors: Carmen D Ng, Emory University
• Journal Title: PUBLIC HEALTH NUTRITION
• Volume: Volume 23, Number 2
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP) | 2020-02-01, Pages 254-263
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980019001587
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Public Health
• Keywords: BMI; Development; Nutrition; Stratification

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.