2023-07-03 12:41:49
What BMI for seniors? What is a normal build following 70?
BMI, body mass index, is calculated as weight divided by height squared. The optimal BMI defined by l’OMS (World Health Organization) is between 18.5 and 25. However, these thresholds do not apply to people aged 70 or over because other factors come into play, in particular the risk of malnutrition.
What is a normal BMI in an elderly person?
For the elderly, the optimal BMI is rather between 22 and 30 kg/m2. « We observe in the general population that the average BMI of the over 65s is rather around 27. It is therefore quite normal that we gain a little weight moderately and gradually with age. “, explains Doctor Manuel Sanchez, geriatrician at Bichat Hospital. BMI should not be the only indicator.
How to calculate body mass from 70 years old?
With age it can be more difficult to calculate the BMI because we tend to sag due to scoliosis or spinal trauma. A relatively upright person can be measured with a tape measure.
When the person saw his decrease in size with age, it is necessary to have recourse to other means of measurement to be able to determine it. ” We use formulas like the one that involves taking measurements between the heel and the knee of the elderly person. Thanks to a series of criteria, we can, depending on sex and age, determine the height of the individual “explains the geriatrician.
Do not stigmatize being overweight!
For an individual under the age of 70, a BMI over 30 signals obesity. These rules do not apply to seniors. The weight gain in their case is less alarming than weight loss.
« We will not take this BMI into account medically. The impact in terms of vascular risks is not as high as in younger subjects », explained Manuel Sanchez.
And the geriatrician continues: On the contrary, the risk would be to stigmatize the overweight and obesity of the elderly. It is quite common to gain weight. For example udoes a 75-year-old with a BMI of 28 fit the norm?. Any weight loss puts him at risk of health problems. These people need to be reassured. »
Watch out for muscle mass loss!
If gaining weight with advancing age is completely normal, on the contrary losing muscle mass is dangerous. BMI does not reflect composition in terms of muscle and fat mass. Loss of muscle mass is a risk of Autonomy lossof complicationsor of chronic diseases, with an increased probability of falling. It is therefore very important to evaluate it.
How to measure the lack of muscle?
Muscle loss is characterized by loss of strength. For this, simple clinical tests are carried out.
The dynamometer (instrument that is held in the hand and on which repeated pressure is exerted): allows the muscle strength of the wrist and forearm to be calculated. chair liftthe climbing stairs : the doctor asks the patient to perform these exercises as quickly as possible, he analyzes the walking speed and the time taken to climb the stairs. These tools make it possible to know if the muscular force is diminished. For the chair lift, a European consensus has established a decrease in strength for a time of more than 15 seconds for 5 consecutive chair lifts. Another measurement: muscle mass can also be measured using the circumference of the calf. also use imaging techniques such as dexa. It is a scanner that highlights the composition of the body.
We’re talking regardingsarcopenic obesity when the person loses muscle mass in favor of fat mass, and thus increases the risk of fracture.
Keeping a good BMI is the solution
The BMI is above all a criterion which makes it possible to evaluate whether your mass in relation to your height is within the norm. From a certain age, being overweight is tolerated, conversely thinness can be a sign of undernutrition. ” We can clearly see that there is no impact on health when the BMI is a little high “recalls Doctor Manuel Sanchez. The important thing is appropriate physical activity that allows you to maintain correct muscle mass.
Preventing undernutrition: should BMI be monitored?
Is a low BMI a sign that an elderly person is undernourished?
A BMI of less than 22 kg/m2 is a diagnostic criteria for undernutrition in the elderly but this is not the only criterion used.
According to the recommendations of the HAS (Haute Autorité de santé), at least one of these criteria is required:
Significant weight loss: ≥ 5% in 1 month or ≥ 10% in 6 months or compared to usual weight, A BMI A decrease in muscle mass and strength
It is also necessary that a criterion linked to the origin of malnutrition be present:
A reduction in food intake A reduction in intestinal absorption A pathological situation.
In addition, an albuminemia below 30 g/L indicates severe malnutrition (source 1).
How to prevent undernutrition?
The HAS, in its recommendations on undernutrition in the elderly, recommends monitoring appetite and the portion size food. It is best to follow up with a dietitian.
It is also important to regularly monitor the oral condition which can have an impact on food intake.
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