HISTORY OF BODY-WEIGHT AND PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY OF ELDERLY WOMEN DIFFERING IN CURRENT PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY

Development of overweight and physical activity during life was studied retrospectively in a group of physically active and a group of sedentary elderly women. The two groups of elderly women were selected based on a validated physical activity questionnaire. A previous study on their current dietary intake and nutritional status showed a 12 kg higher body weight in the sedentary group compared to the physically active group, whereas body height did not differ. In order to study the relationship between development of overweight and physical activity in these elderly women, a retrospective study was carried out in 45 subjects. Information about former physical activity was collected by means of a detailed structured interview. Information about body shape and fatness, expressed as 'weight index', was obtained using silhouettes and subjective rating of obesity of subjects compared with peers. Classification of obesity was checked by old photographs rated by interviewers, sizes of clothing and recalled body weight and height. Information was collected about the situation at age 12, 25, 40 and 55 years whereas the mean current age is 71. Weight index was statistically significantly different between the active and sedentary group from age 25 onwards (P < 0.05). Photographs proved to be useful for a valid and objective categorization. No differences were found in physical activity scores between the groups at age 12, 25, 40 and 55 years. It is concluded that the current difference in body shape and fatness between physically active and inactive elderly women was already present at age 25 and persisted throughout their adult life. The current low physical activity is possibly a result rather than a cause of higher body weight in old age.