Body Mass, Smoking, and Overall and Cause Specific Mortality among Older Individuals

Patrick M. Krueger, University of Colorado at Boulder
Richard G. Rogers, University of Colorado at Boulder
Robert A. Hummer, University of Texas at Austin
Jason D. Boardman, University of Colorado at Boulder

Few have examined the interrelationships among body mass, smoking, and overall and cause-specific mortality among older individuals. We employ data from the National Health Interview Survey linked to the Multiple Cause of Death file, and Cox proportional hazard models, to estimate these relationships among U.S. adults aged 60 and older. Compared to those who are normal weight, overweight and slightly obese individuals experience lower overall mortality, but face higher risks of death due to heart disease and diabetes. Conversely, underweight individuals face increased risks of death even after accounting for sub-clinical illness, potentially because of frailty or smoking status. Revealing these complex associations among body mass, smoking, and overall and cause specific mortality informs public policies that aim to improve the health of our increasingly obese elderly population.