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Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Obesity in the Elderly in Barbados

University of the West Indies, School of Clinical Medicine and Research

Ian R. Hambleton

University of the West Indies, Tropical Medicine Research Institute

Hedy L. Broome

University of the West Indies, Tropical Medicine Research Institute

Henry S. Fraser

University of the West Indies, Tropical Medicine Research Institute

Anselm J. Hennis

University of the West Indies, Tropical Medicine Research Institute

This article’s objective is to examine the epidemiology of obesity in the urban elderly population of Barbados. A random sample of adults 60 years underwent comprehensive interviews and measurement of their weight, height, and waist circumference (WC). Outcomes of interest were obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 30 kg/m2), high-risk WC (men 102 cm; women 88 cm), and high risk of disease comorbidity (from BMI and WC criteria). Total, 1,508 persons participated (80% response). Women had higher rates of obesity (31% vs. 11.9%), high-risk WC (61.9% vs. 13.9%), and disease co-morbidity risk (51.1% vs. 17.5%) compared to men. Multivariate regression confirmed female gender as an independent predictor of outcomes (p < 0.001). Other predictors were less consistent: self-reported fair/poor health status and eating two (vs. three) meals daily were associated with obesity, whereas semiprofessional occupation and unmarried status predicted high-risk WC. Obesity is highly prevalent among elderly Barbadians. Public health interventions must target this group, particularly women.

Key Words: obesity • Barbados • Caribbean

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