# Nutritional status associated with physical activity in active older adults in southern Ecuador

## TL;DR

This study finds that malnutrition is common among older adults in southern Ecuador and is linked to low physical activity, highlighting the need for public health interventions.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific demographic and behavioral factors associated with malnutrition and low physical activity in older adults in southern Ecuador.

## Key findings

- Malnutrition based on BMI was 59.6%, with overweight being the most common category.
- Low physical activity was associated with malnutrition in men and older adults aged ≥85 years.
- Obesity was linked to low physical activity, age, being male, and low education levels.

## Abstract

The increase in the number of older adults at a global level is increasing the incidence of morbidity and mortality associated with lack of physical activity and malnutrition in this vulnerable group. The objective was to determine the nutritional status and its association with the level of physical activity in active older adults in southern Ecuador.

Analytical cross-sectional study in 400 older adults, performing anthropometry, and applying physical activity questionnaires (IPAQ-c) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) prior to signing the informed consent. The data were analyzed in the SPSS v.15.0 program, using descriptive statistics, OR with 95% CI and chi square with its p value <0.05.

Malnutrition according to BMI was 59.6%, with overweight predominating (30.8%); 33.2% had low physical activity; there was a significant association between malnutrition and low physical activity with men (p = 0.013); obesity associated with low physical activity and age (p = 0.028), men (p = 0.029), low education (p = 0.029); according to MNA malnutrition was 39.5%, of these 42.4% presented low physical activity; there was an association between malnutrition and low physical activity in ≥85 years, men, with a partner, low education and rural residents (p = 0.000).

The prevalence of malnutrition in older adults is increasing and is associated with low physical activity, being a public health problem that requires a comprehensive intervention by health authorities for a better quality of life of older adults.