Overweight and Obese Have Similar Burden of Hip Fracture as Normal Weight Older Adults

Abstract

The association between body weight and fracture risk is a significant public health concern as the majority of older adults are overweight or obese and have low mineral density. Osteoporotic fractures are projected to cost $25 billion in health care spending annually by 2025, with hip fractures accounting for over 70% of these costs. Post-fracture spending is 25% higher among obese individuals. Numerous studies have found that overweight and obesity protect against risk of hip fracture, relative to normal or underweight. However, Nielson et al. (2012) showed that close to half (46%) of hip fractures occurred in overweight and obese older adults using data from the 1970 to 1980s. Even though heavier individuals may have a lower relative risk of hip fracture, they may have a similar absolute risk, particularly as the prevalence of obesity continues to increase among the aging population. The aims of this paper are to provide updated estimates of the incidence of hip fracture and to demonstrate that the current burden of hip fracture occurs among heavier older adults.