Anthropometric Changes in the Brazilian Cohort of Older Adults : SABE Survey (Health, Well-Being, and Aging)‎

Abstract EN

The aim of the present study was to analyze the anthropometric changes in a home-based cohort of Brazilian older adults who participated in the SABE Survey, conducted in 2000 and 2006.

A total of 1030 men and women were examined by age group: 60–69, 70–79, and ≥80 years.

This representative sample consists of the survivors of the 2000 cohort.

The following anthropometric variables were assessed: body mass, arm muscle, waist and calf circumferences, triceps skinfold thickness, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, and arm muscle area according to mean values and percentile distribution.

Except for body mass and body mass index, a significant difference (P<0.05) was observed among the assessed anthropometric variables during the follow-up period.

The older adults ≥80 years presented the lowest values.

The reduction in the mean values of triceps skinfold thickness was greater (30%) than that of waist circumference (9%) and was more pronounced in women (21%) than in men (9%).

Arm muscle circumference and area reduced by 8% and 19%, respectively, in men and 1% and 3%, correspondingly, in women.

Our findings revealed reductions in the mean values for all anthropometric variables in the follow-up period from 2000 to 2006 among older adults.