Prevalence of overweight and obesity in older Mexican adults and its association with physical activity and related factors: An analysis of the study on global ageing and adult health

Objectives: The obesity epidemic in Mexico is increasing and represents a considerable public health challenge. The population aged 50 years and older is also increasing and is not exempt from the obesity rise. We aimed to determine the current prevalence of Body Mass Index (BMI) categories in a sample of Mexicans aged 50 years and older and to test the associations of BMI with physical activity categories and related factors. Methods: Data from 2,032 individuals aged 50 years and older who participated in SAGE Wave 1 (2009-2010) were analyzed. Representativeness of the sample was obtained by using weighted data. Descriptive statistics, chi square tests, simple regression analysis, and multiple regression analysis were performed in relation to BMI, self-reported physical activity categories, and several variables, including demographic characteristics and selected risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Results: Among older adults, 0.6% was found to be underweight, 21.4% normal weight, 49.4% overweight, and 28.7% obese. It was also found that practicing vigorous intensity physical activity (-1.32) and being 80 years or older (-2.73) were significantly associated (P<0.05) with a lower mean BMI (28.3). In contrast, being in the lowest income quintile (1.35), and living in urban areas (0.86) were significantly associated with a higher mean BMI. Conclusions: The study results contribute to the current understanding of obesity etiology in Mexico, and moreover confirm that overweight and obesity are current public health problems that must be addressed in specific subgroups of older adults. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:326-333, 2015.