Does the dynamicity of weight gain predict elements of metabolic syndrome? Differences in weight gain of hypertensive, diabetic, and obese elderly patients: a pilot study in primary care.

BACKGROUND

Some components of metabolic syndrome are measured in a medical setting; people check weight and height regularly. The aim was to analyze life-long self-recorded data on patients' weight and compare them regarding hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

MATERIAL/METHODS: Retrospective data on weight and height in each life decade since 20 years of age and the decade prior to diagnosis were collected from 354 elderly people (159 men, 195 women) >60 years of age. People with and without diabetes and/or hypertension were compared.

RESULTS

Current mean weights were significantly higher in all groups than at 20 years of age (p<0.001). Patients with normal body mass index (BMI: <25 kg/m2) had approximately the same weight as at 20, those currently overweight (BMI: 25-30 kg/m2) had gained 14 kg (men) and 16 kg (women), and currently obese persons (BMI>30 kg/m2) more than 20 and 26 kg, respectively. Hypertensive persons weighed about the same in their twenties and currently as did controls. Diabetics started with higher weights. Men gained most between 20-30 years of age and women between 20-40, both groups gaining significantly more in the decade before diagnosis than in other decades (p<0.05). Weight gain in the controls was more or less continual.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight gain between 20-40 years of age may be an important factor in diabetes. Stable or at least limited and slow weight gain may be a preventive factor. Further evaluation is suggested in a wider population with more frequent and reliable data recording and international cooperation and comparison.