Citation

Mitchell RJ, Lord SR, Harvey LA, Close JC. Aust. N. Zeal. J. Public Health 2014; 38(1): 13-18.

Affiliation

Falls and Injury Prevention Group, Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Public Health Association of Australia, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1753-6405.12152

PMID

24494939

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether overweight and obese individuals have higher reported fall and fall injury risk than individuals of healthy weight, and to examine the influence of BMI on health, quality of life and lifestyle characteristics of fallers. METHODS: A representative sample of community-based individuals aged 65 years and older in New South Wales was surveyed regarding their history of falls, height, weight, lifestyle and general health within a 12-month period. RESULTS: Obese individuals had a 31% higher risk of having fallen, but no higher risk of a fall-related injury compared to healthy-weight individuals. Obese fallers also had a 57% higher risk of believing nothing could be done to prevent falls; a 41% higher risk of using four or more medications; a 30% higher risk of experiencing moderate or extreme pain or discomfort; were 26% less likely have walked for two or more hours in the last week; and were less likely to think they were doing enough physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Older obese individuals have an increased risk of falls and obese fallers have a higher prevalence of pain and inactivity than fallers of a healthy weight. Implications: A decrease in sedentary lifestyle and regular weight-bearing exercise may reduce fall risk in older obese individuals.

Language: en