Body Mass Index Is Associated with Dietary Patterns and Health Conditions in Georgia Centenarians

Authors

Dorothy B. Hausman, University of GeorgiaFollow
Mary Ann Johnson, University of GeorgiaFollow
Adam Davey, Temple University
Leonard W. Poon, University of Georgia

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2011

Citation

Journal of Aging Research Volume 2011, Article ID 138015, 10 pages

Comments

Copyright © 2011 Dorothy B. Hausman et al.

Open access

doi:10.4061/2011/138015

Abstract

Associations between body mass index (BMI) and dietary patterns and health conditions were explored in a population-based multiethnic sample of centenarians from northern Georgia. BMI ≤20 and ≥25 was prevalent in 30.9% and 25.3% of study participants, respectively. In a series of logistic regression analyses controlled for gender and place of residence, the probability of having BMI ≥25 was increased by being black versus white and having a low citrus fruit, noncitrus fruit, orange/yellow vegetable or total fruit and vegetable intake. The probability of having BMI ≤20 was not associated with dietary intake. When controlled for race, gender, residence, and total fruit and vegetable intake, BMI ≥25 was an independent risk factor for diabetes or having a systolic blood pressure ≥140mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90mmHg, whereas BMI ≤20 was a risk factor for anemia. Given the many potential adverse consequences of under- and overweight, efforts are needed to maintain a healthy weight, even in the oldest old.