The association between body mass index, weight loss and physical function in the year following a hip fracture

Lisa Reider, W. Hawkes, J. R. Hebel, C. D'Adamo, J. Magaziner, R. Miller, D. Orwig, D. E. Alley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether body mass index (BMI) at the time of hospitalization or weight change in the period immediately following hospitalization predict physical function in the year after hip fracture. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: Two hospitals in Baltimore, Maryland. Participants: Female hip fracture patients age 65 years or older (N=136 for BMI analysis, N=41 for analysis of weight change). Measurements: Body mass index was calculated based on weight and height from the medical chart. Weight change was based on DXA scans at 3 and 10 days post fracture. Physical function was assessed at 2, 6 and 12 months following fracture using the Lower Extremity Gain Scale (LEGS), walking speed and grip strength. Results: LEGS score and walking speed did not differ across BMI tertiles. However, grip strength differed significantly across BMI tertiles (p=0.029), with underweight women having lower grip strength than normal weight women at all time points. Women experiencing the most weight loss (>4.8%) had significantly lower LEGS scores at all time points, slower walking speed at 6 months, and weaker grip strength at 12 months postfracture relative to women with more modest weight loss. In adjusted models, overall differences in function and functional change across all time points were not significant. However, at 12 months post fracture,women with the most weight loss had an average grip strength 7.0kg lower than women with modest weight loss (p=0.030). Conclusions: Adjustment for confounders accounts for much of the relationships between BMI and function and weight change and function in the year after fracture. However, weight loss is associated with weakness during hip fracture recovery. Weight loss during and immediately after hospitalization appears to identify women at risk of poor function and may represent an important target for future interventions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)91-95
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Nutrition, Health and Aging
Volume17
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2013

Keywords

  • Hospitalization
  • disability
  • hip fracture
  • strength
  • weight loss

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The association between body mass index, weight loss and physical function in the year following a hip fracture'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this