Introduction: Aging involves biological processes influenced by environmental factors that impact nutritional status. In Chile, this represents a challenge due to accelerated demographic aging. This study aims to evaluate the nutritional status of people over 65 years in Chile in December 2020. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on the nutritional status of 680,626 elderly persons enrolled in the National Program of Integral Health of the Elderly. Age-adjusted body mass index (BMI) was used to classify underweight, normal-weight, overweight and obesity, stratifying by region, sex and age subgroup. Chi-square tests evaluate associations. Results: 9.4% were underweight, 36% normal-weight, 29.3% overweight and 25.3% obese. Higher underweight prevalence was noted in northern regions and higher obesity in southern regions. Obesity rates were higher in women across all age groups but narrowed with age. Discussion: higher obesity rates may result from higher calorie intake and reduced physical activity due to weather. Underweight is more common among older individuals, while younger age groups show higher overweight and obesity rates, possibly due to mortality and age-related BMI changes. Conclusions: Significant regional and demographic disparities in elderly nutritional status in Chile highlight the need for tailored public health interventions.
Palabras clave:
aging, nutritional status, elderly, body mass index
Altmetrics
Cómo citar
González P., P., & Abarca A., C. (2025). Caracterización epidemiológica de un indicador del estado nutricional de personas mayores de 65 años en Chile en diciembre de 2020. Revista Hospital ClÃnico Universidad De Chile, 36(2), 97–113. https://doi.org/10.5354/2735-7996.2025.79928
