Body-weight change and physical functioning among young old adults.

OBJECTIVES: The main purpose of this study is to examine if body weight change is a potential risk factor for the onset of functional impairment across time among various functional domains.

METHODS: Using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study, logistic regression models on the onset of functional impairment over three time points are estimated for young old adults.

RESULTS: Results indicate that weight gain is associated with greater risk of lower body mobility impairment. An increase in body mass index of greater than 5% increases the likelihood of the onset of lower body mobility functional impairment.

DISCUSSION: Study findings support the promotion of healthy weight management. Future studies in this area may want to investigate effective interventions that contribute to healthy weight maintenance among this cohort.