Body mass and dependency.

OBJECTIVES The relationship between body mass index (BMI) category and dependency in men and women aged 45 or older is examined cross-sectionally and prospectively. DATA SOURCES Data are from the 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey and the 1994/95 through 2002/03 National Population Health Survey, household populations. ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES Cross-sectional data were used to produce weighted frequencies, cross-tabulations and multiple logistic regression models to estimate the prevalence of dependency and its relationship to BMI category. Associations between BMI and dependency two years later were also explored. Models were adjusted for potential confounders. MAIN RESULTS The prevalence of dependency was nearly the same among those who were underweight as among those in obese class III--the highest level of obesity. Even when the effects of potential confounders were controlled, underweight and obese people faced higher odds of coexisting dependency, compared with those in the normal BMI range. Obesity was also predictive of subsequent dependency.