Factors affecting nutritional status in older Mexican adults: Enasem, 2018

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors affecting nutritional status in older Mexican adults in the 2018 Mexican Health and Aging Study (Enasem 2018). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Secondary cross-sectional analysis of social determinants, health-related factors, and stressful life events in relation to two relevant nutritional problems in older adults: 1) undernutrition and 2) excess weight, including overweight and obesity, using multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: 4 587 participants. The prevalence of undernutrition was 16.1% and is associated with age ≥80 years, having no partner, having no schooling, overestimation of body mass index (IMC), motor difficulty, instrumental functional dependence, hospitalization in the previous year and falls in the last two years, self-reported weak grip strength, and a report of a disaster that affected the home or an accident that affected health. The prevalence of excess weight was 43.6%, associated with being a woman, being 60 to 79 years old, perceiving oneself as not overweight or obese and underestimating it relative to IMC, having ≥3 diseases, somatic symptoms, and physical inactivity. CONCLUSIONS: The factors affecting nutritional status toward undernutrition or excess weight in older adults need to be considered as important areas for intervention in aging.