Individuals in the denominator who were underweight (BMI <23 Kg/m2) during the measurement year
Individuals aged 75 and older with documented BMI components
Weight: at least once during the measurement year, and Height: at least once after the age of 65.
Monitoring body weight in older adults plays an important role in primary care by helping to prevent morbidity and mortality. Physiological changes associated with aging, chronic illnesses, use of multiple drugs, dementia, depression, and oral health conditions can all contribute to weight loss and underweight in the elderly. Even mild underweight (BMI between 21.0 and 22.9 kg/m²) has been linked to increased mortality compared to individuals with a normal BMI range (23.0–24.9 kg/m²). Unintentional weight loss may be an early indicator of frailty and should prompt medical evaluation. Both underweight and involuntary weight loss are frequently underdiagnosed (1).
Heiat A, Vaccarino V, Krumholz HM. An evidence-based assessment of federal guidelines for.1 overweight and obesity as they apply to elderly persons. Arch Intern Med. 2001;161(9):1194–203.
