Obesity can lead to frailty in old age, study finds

A new study has found that adults with obesity are at greater risk of experiencing frailty in later life than adults with an average body mass index (BMI).

Researchers conducted a long-term study on adult men and women in Norway and discovered that obesity puts individuals at risk of becoming frail as they age. Frailty is characterised by physical deterioration and increased vulnerability, and while it has been associated with underweight older adults, the study reveals a positive association between obesity and the risk of frailty among older adults.

The study, published in the BMJ Open journal, analysed the body mass index and waist circumference of 2,340 women and 2,169 men over the age of 45 between 1994 and 1995. The participants were followed up for a period of 21 years to determine their risk of frailty. The researchers defined physical frailty as having three or more symptoms including poor grip strength, slow walking speed, exhaustion, unintentional weight loss, and low physical activity.

The findings show that participants with “baseline obesity” were more likely to be frail or pre-frail compared to those with an average BMI. Additionally, those with high waist circumference throughout follow-up were also more likely to be pre-frail or frail compared to participants with a stable normal waist circumference trajectory. Excess weight exacerbating the decline in muscle strength and physical capacity that occurs with age, along with metabolic disorders, inflammaging, and oxidative stress associated with obesity, could contribute to the risk of frailty.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Anju Jain, emphasised the importance of early intervention to prevent and treat obesity. She noted that while weight loss can be challenging, it is possible and can have significant health benefits. She also called for more public health efforts to promote healthy eating and physical activity throughout life.

The researchers caution against viewing frailty as solely a wasting disorder and highlight the importance of routinely assessing and maintaining optimal BMI and waist circumference throughout adulthood to reduce the risk of frailty in later life.