JOURNAL OF AGING AND HEALTH / April 2004 Jenkins / WEIGHT CHANGE AMONG THE YOUNG OLD 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 Retire-ment 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