Analysis of the relationship between obesity and self-perceptions of aging in middle-aged and older adults

Objective Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) are a critical issue in the mental health of middle-aged and older adults, yet the complex relationship with obesity remains insufficiently explored. This study analyzes the impact of obesity on SPA among this demographic. Methods Utilizing longitudinal follow-up data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) in the United States, logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and SPA, while restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to reveal potential nonlinear associations. Results After adjusting for baseline age, gender, race, education level, marital status, number of chronic diseases, depressive symptoms, functional limitations, and baseline SPA levels, grade 2/3 obesity was associated with negative SPA (OR=1.50, 95%CI: 1.08-2.07), and a significant nonlinear relationship between BMI and SPA was observed (P-overall < 0.001, P-nonlinear = 0.042). Subgroup analysis indicated that among individuals under 80 years old, females, those with a high school education or lower, Caucasians, individu- als with depressive symptoms, and those without functional limitations, grade 2/3 obesity was positively correlated with nega- tive SPA. Conclusion Obesity in middle-aged and older adults is related to negative SPA. Healthcare professionals should pay attention to the potential psychological impacts of obesity during the aging process and develop more targeted prevention and intervention strategies to assist obese individuals in improving their mental health as they age. © 2024 Editorial Office of Modern Preventive Medicine. All rights reserved.