Physical multimorbidity and dynapenic abdominal obesity among older adults from low- and middle-income countries

Background: As far as we are aware, to date, there are no studies on the association between dynapenic abdominal obesity (DAO) and physical multimorbidity (i.e., ≥2 chronic conditions). Thus, we aimed to examine this association among older adults from six low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: Cross-sectional, nationally representative data from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health were analyzed. Data on 20,198 adults aged ≥60 years were analyzed [mean (SD) age 69.4 (13.1) years; 54.1% females]. Information on 11 chronic physical conditions was obtained. Dynapenia was defined as 102 cm for men. DAO was defined as having both dynapenia and abdominal obesity. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted. Results: After adjustment for potential confounders, compared to no dynapenia and no abdominal obesity, dynapenia alone, abdominal obesity alone, and DAO are associated with 1.34 (95% CI = 1.16-1.55), 1.64 (95% CI = 1.36-1.98), and 2.49 (95% CI = 1.94-3.19) times higher odds for physical multimorbidity, respectively. Conclusions: Dynapenic abdominal obesity is significantly associated with higher odds for physical multimorbidity among older adults in LMICs. Prevention and management of dynapenic abdominal obesity may aid in reducing the burden of physical multimorbidity, pending future longitudinal research.