Estimated Frailty Prevalence and Its Relation to Obesity among the Israeli Elderly: Results from a Cross-Sectional National Survey

Background: Longevity alongside with obesity are rising in Western countries. These trends may be accompanied by abnormal losses of muscle mass, strength and function, forming a sarcopenic/frail phenotype. No single best diagnostic tool for frailty exists; therefore, its prevalence varies considerably, ranging between 5% to 58%. In Israel, a nationwide frailty prevalence is presently unknown.

Aim: To assess the rate of the frail and obese frail subjects in elderly Israelis.

Methods: A cross-sectional, post hoc analysis based on the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Israeli Elderly was conducted. Frailty was assessed alone or accompanied with BMI using a new predictive model that we suggested, taking into account various aspects of health and function. The Model’s variables were scored from `best to worst scenarios`, with a cut-off of ≥5 `worst scenarios` considered as reflecting a high probability of frailty.

Results: Data of 1845 subjects (F/M=53.9/46.1%, mean age= 73.7±10.1 years) were analyzed. Estimated frailty prevalence was 8.7%. Frail people were more likely to have lower income, the lowest education level, and to use health services. Obesity was prevalent in 48.8% of the frail vs. 29.5% of the robust population. Frailty was associated with both obesity and underweight.

Discussion and Conclusion: This is the first study estimating the prevalence of frailty and obesity among the most representative sample of the Israeli population. Prevalence rates were comparable to the lowest rates shown in the literature and were associated with known variables. Additionally, frailty appeared associated with BMI, forming a U-shaped curve.