Obesity in the Lebanese elderly: prevalence, relative risks and anthropometrical measurements.

OBJECTIVE To measure the prevalence of obesity in the Lebanese elderly population and to compare it to another sample studied 10 years ago; to investigate the best anthropometrical measurement related to obesity relative risks in this age group. DESIGN Cross-sectional study about aging and obesity in the Lebanese society. SUBJECTS 237 Lebanese elderly (60-85 y.o.) selected randomly from an urban and a rural community. MEASUREMENTS Height, weight, waist and hips circumferences. RESULTS 47% of the studied sample is obese and obesity is related to gender, educational level and age. Body mass index (BMI) is a good indicator for diabetes 2. Central obesity did not correlate with obesity relative risks. CONCLUSION Obesity is more prevalent in 2005 than it was in 1995. Prevention programs should be installed in schools and work places in Lebanon to fight against the epidemic of obesity.