Research Article
Association Between Nutritional Scores and BMI Among Elderly in Shanghai Communities: A Community Health Survey
Zhui Ke
,
Peng Ji,
Yini Zhao,
Jingyi Lu,
Xinpei Luo,
Xuemin He,
Zhuqing Liu,
Min Yuan,
Xianling Guo,
Qing Xu*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2025
Pages:
294-300
Received:
21 November 2025
Accepted:
21 November 2025
Published:
22 November 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajhr.20251306.11
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Views:
Abstract: Background: Population aging intensifies the public health challenge of malnutrition among the elderly, who face both undernutrition and overnutrition. The relationship between BMI and nutritional status in urban Chinese elderly remains underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF) scores among community-dwelling elderly in Shanghai. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 2019 to January 2023, involving 106 elderly residents aged ≥60 years. Data on demographics, BMI, and MNA-SF scores were collected. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and simple linear regression. Results: The mean age was 70.89 ± 6.56 years, with 75.5% females. Mean BMI was 22.85 ± 3.13 kg/m²; 30.2% were overweight and 7.5% underweight. The mean MNA-SF score was 12.23 ± 1.50, with 29.2% at risk of malnutrition. A significant positive correlation was found between BMI and nutritional score (r = 0.504, p < 0.001). Linear regression showed BMI positively predicted nutritional score (β = 0.243, p < 0.001), with the equation: Nutritional Score = 6.679 + 0.243 × BMI (R² = 0.254). Conclusion: BMI is positively associated with nutritional scores among Shanghai community-dwelling elderly. However, reliance solely on BMI may overlook hidden malnutrition risks in overweight individuals. Community health strategies should integrate comprehensive nutritional assessments for targeted interventions.
Abstract: Background: Population aging intensifies the public health challenge of malnutrition among the elderly, who face both undernutrition and overnutrition. The relationship between BMI and nutritional status in urban Chinese elderly remains underexplored. Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Mini-Nutr...
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