Prevalence of low body weight/Malnutrition in old population in China during past 20 years

Objective To understand the prevalence of low body weight/malnutrition in old population in China and provide evidence for the further prevention and control of malnutrition in old people. Methods The analysis was conducted on the surveillance data of chronic diseases and risk factors in China in 2010. The results were compared with those of national nutrition survey in 1992 and Chinese nutritional and health status survey in 2002. Results The prevalence of low body weight/malnutrition in people aged 60 years was 5.4% in China in 2010, a decline of 7% and 12% respectively compared with 2002 and 1992. The prevalence in age groups 60 years, 65 years, 70years and 75 years in 2010 were 3.7%, 4.7%, 6.3% and 8.0% respectively. In 2010, the prevalence was 5.5% in males and 5.3% in females. The prevalence was 3.3% in urban area and 6.4% in rural areas. Conclusion The prevalence of low body/weight malnutrition in old population was 5.4% in China in 2010, however, it increased with the age. The prevalence was higher in rural area than in urban area. It is necessary to strengthen the nutrition improvement project in old people, especially in those with high age and in rural area.