Increase in BMI in Adults over 60 Years of Low Income in Mexico: Comparison of 2012 with 2018 (P18-034-19)

Abstract

Describe the changes in the magnitude and distribution of the Body Mass Index (BMI) in older adults of low socioeconomic status who are beneficiaries of a social program (Prospera) in Mexico, according to sociodemographic characteristics. We analyzed data of weight and height of older adults (>60 years) obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Survey of Mexico (ENSANUT) of the years 2012 and 2018. The ENSANUT is a probabilistic and multistage survey with national representativeness. We calculated the BMI and classified older adults into three stages (Underweight (UW), Overweight (OW) and Obesity (OB)) in accordance with the methodology and cut-off points specified by the World Health Organization (WHO). Prevalences were estimated by sex, age, the area of residence, and geographic region. Then, the ENSANUT 2012 and 2018 were compared, identifying if the household was of low socioeconomic status and if it was beneficiary of the social program “Prospera”. 7.1% of women beneficiaries of Prospera, over 80 years old, were classified with UW, as well as 3.5% of women in the South region. 7.5% of men, beneficiaries of Prospera, over 60 years old who live in the North Region, had UW. In women older than 60 years, OW + OB increased from 2012 to 2018, both in those that were not beneficiaries (76% in 2012 vs 82.1% in 2018) and in those that were beneficiaries of Prospera (61% in 2012 vs 68.2% in 2018). The proportion of men older than 60 years beneficiaries of Prospera, with OW + OB, decreased in the urban area (76.6% in 2012 Vs. 49.3% in 2018) and, in men who were not beneficiaries of Prospera (71.1% in 2012 Vs 24.2% in 2018). The number of older adults in Mexico is increasing and the prevalence of OW, mainly among women, is getting higher. It is important to take immediate actions given the health complications associated with overweight and obesity. Mexico´s Government.

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