Body mass index in older adults and the obesity paradox – a short umbrella review of current evidence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12957/demetra.2026.89368Palabras clave:
Bodymass index. Obesity. Obesity paradox. Older adults.Resumen
The use of body mass index (BMI) to assess nutritional status in older adults may be controversial. According to the obesity paradox, older adults who present overweight may have better outcomes compared to individuals that present a normal weight. Specific BMI cut‑offs for older people were proposed by some entities.This short narrative umbrella review aims to realize if it is appropriate to recommend higher BMI values in the elderlyconsidering the most recent evidence about the obesity paradox. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses available in the Pubmed database were identified and selected according to defined criteria, and the main results were presented. In the present review, 27 studies extracted from these reviews were analyzed, but only 12 (44.5%) found significant results regarding the obesity paradox. It was observed that potential benefits of higher BMI values are even less frequent for BMI values ≥ 30 kg/m2. Therefore, controversy remains regarding the use of BMI in ageing groups. Epidemiological confounding may be linked to better outcomes linked to higher BMI values. It should be ensured that discussion does not involve the promotion of obesity in elderly, which is an indisputable risk factor for the development and worsening of several chronic diseases.
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Derechos de autor 2026 Joana Mendes, Rita Miranda, Ana Sofia Sousa
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