In GLIM criteria, what BMI threshold is considered low for adults aged 70 or older?

In GLIM criteria, what BMI threshold is considered low for adults aged 70 or older?

• A. < 18.5 kg/m2
• B. < 20 kg/m2
• C. < 21 kg/m2
• D. < 22 kg/m2

Answer: (D)

GLIM uses age-specific BMI cutoffs for the malnutrition phenotype because body composition changes with aging. For adults aged 70 years and older, a BMI below 22 kg/m^2 is considered low. This higher threshold compares with younger adults to better reflect the reduced muscle mass and energy reserves common in the elderly. So, a BMI under 22 kg/m^2 indicates low BMI in this age group, aligning with GLIM’s criteria for identifying malnutrition risk. Values like 18.5, 20, or 21 kg/m^2 are not the GLIM threshold for those 70 and older, though they indicate underweight by other guidelines.

GLIM uses age-specific BMI cutoffs for the malnutrition phenotype because body composition changes with aging. For adults aged 70 years and older, a BMI below 22 kg/m^2 is considered low. This higher threshold compares with younger adults to better reflect the reduced muscle mass and energy reserves common in the elderly. So, a BMI under 22 kg/m^2 indicates low BMI in this age group, aligning with GLIM’s criteria for identifying malnutrition risk. Values like 18.5, 20, or 21 kg/m^2 are not the GLIM threshold for those 70 and older, though they indicate underweight by other guidelines.