The Association Between Body Mass Index and Comorbidity, Quality of Life, and Cognitive Function in the Elderly Population

BACKGROUND: Debate still exists regarding physical and cognitive factors associated with Body Mass Index (BMI) in the elderly population. This study aimed to determine the association between BMI and comorbidity, Quality of Life (QOL), and cognitive function in the elderly population METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2017 to January 2018. The participants included 246 old people who referred to Imam Reza elderly clinic, Shiraz, Iran. The data were collected using Leipad Quality of Life Questionnaire and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Indeed, weight and height were measured to assess the BMI. The data were entered into SPSS, version 21, and analyzed using ANOVA, Chi-square test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis RESULTS: This study showed that 104 (47%) of the participants were overweight and obese. The mean±SD score of QOL was 46.14±12.01. Additionally, 93 (37.8%) of the participants had cognitive impairment. The results showed a significant difference among normal weight, overweight, and obese groups regarding the mean scores of QOL (P<0.001) and cognitive function (P<0.001). Moreover, 29% of the changes in BMI was explained by QOL, cognitive function, and having hypertension and cancer. Among these variables, the associations between BMI and QOL (r=–0.52, P<0.001) and cognitive function (r=–0.28, P<0.001) were significant CONCLUSION: The results showed that half of the old people suffered from overweight and obesity. Moreover, roughly one-third had cognitive impairment. In addition, BMI was associated with QOL and cognitive function in the elderly. Therefore, healthcare workers might use these findings to design prevention and treatment programs targeting the elderly population