Obese elderly individuals who experience poor sleep quality are at greater risk of decreased muscle strength, increased body fat, and mental health issues, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil.
The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, highlights the critical importance of sleep quality for overall health, especially in aging individuals dealing with obesity.
Rising Obesity Among Older Adults
In recent decades, there has been a global increase in the number of obese older individuals. In Brazil, for instance, the prevalence of overweight individuals aged 60 and older has risen significantly, along with obesity rates.
This trend poses a particular challenge as the aging population is more susceptible to health issues associated with obesity.
The research involved 95 obese men and women aged 65 or older. Participants were asked to complete a sleep quality questionnaire (PSQI) and a general health questionnaire focusing on anxiety, depression, and quality of life.
Based on their PSQI scores, participants were categorized into two groups: good sleepers (46) and bad sleepers (49). The researchers also measured body composition and handgrip strength.
The findings revealed that individuals classified as bad sleepers experienced more physical and mental health problems compared to their good-sleeping counterparts. They exhibited:
- Less vitality.
- Increased muscle pain.
- Impaired physical and mental functions.
- Higher body fat levels.
- Lower lean body mass.
- Reduced muscle strength.
- Worsened anxiety, depression, and quality of life scores.
Impact of Poor Sleep Quality on Aging and Obesity
The study emphasizes the significance of sleep quality in elderly individuals, particularly those dealing with obesity.
Aging already affects various physiological processes, and the presence of obesity can exacerbate these effects, leading to sleep disorders.
The researchers suggest that the study’s findings should serve as a reminder of the importance of sleep quality for the overall health of elderly individuals, especially those with obesity.
Identifying obese older individuals at risk of negative health outcomes due to poor sleep quality is crucial for providing the right care and preventing further health deterioration.
The research team plans to publish additional findings from a complementary longitudinal study.
This study will focus on lifestyle therapies designed to prevent adverse outcomes related to body composition changes, such as the loss of muscle mass coupled with increased body fat, and metabolic disorders like hyperglycemia.
These insights could contribute to improving the health and well-being of obese elderly individuals in the future.
If you care about weight, please read studies about diet that can treat fatty liver disease, obesity, and hop extract could reduce belly fat in overweight people.
For more information about weight, please see recent studies about how to curb your cravings for ready-to-eat foods, and results showing what you can eat to speed your metabolism up.
The research findings can be found in Scientific Reports.
Follow us on Twitter for more articles about this topic.
Copyright © 2023 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
