geriatrics
Physical Examination of the Older Adult
Nutritional Status
Aging changes the interpretation of many measurements that reflect nutritional status in younger people. For example, aging can alter height. Weight changes can reflect alterations in nutrition, fluid balance, or both. The proportion of lean body mass and body fat content changes. Despite these age-related changes, Diagnosis (BMI) is still useful in older patients, although it underestimates obesity. Waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio have been used instead. Risks due to obesity are increased if the waist circumference is > 102 cm (> 40 inches) in men and > 88 cm (> 35 inches) in women or if the waist-to-hip ratio is > 0.9 in men and > 0.85 in women. If abnormalities in the nutrition history (eg, weight loss, suspected deficiencies in essential nutrients) or BMI are identified, thorough nutritional evaluation, including laboratory measurements, is indicated. 