Variability in body weight and body composition and cognitive trajectories in older adults in the United States
Authors' conclusion
Greater variability and loss in BW and body composition were linked to accelerated cognitive decline in older adults.
Study context
- Population
- Adults aged ≥65 years, National Health and Aging Trends Study, 2011–2021
- Participants
- 4,304 adults
- Exposure
- Highest vs lowest quartile of BMI variability
- Outcome
- Cognitive function z scores (cognitive decline)
- Follow-up
- Over 11 years
Methodological detailsadjusted mixed-effect models
- Adjusted mixed-effect models
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Rate of cognitive decline
Highest SD variability quartile
−0.036
β · 95% CI −0.044–-0.028 · z scores per year
Lowest variability BMI quartile
−0.019
β · 95% CI −0.027–-0.010 · z scores per year
p values for interaction, < 0.001
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
| Outcome | P value |
|---|---|
| Last-to-first change groups in BMI and BW≥5% loss vs Stable or gain · fastest cognitive decline with ≥5% loss in BMI and BW | both p values for interaction, < 0.0002 |
Overall patterns (stable, loss, gain, cycling) in BMI, body weight (BW) or waist circumference (WC)
- Cognitive decline rates not significantly different among patterns
Original publication
Variability in body weight and body composition and cognitive trajectories in older adults in the United States. Obesity (Silver Spring). Published 3 July 2025. doi:10.
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