Older people who are classed as moderately or severely obese are significantly more likely to encounter mobility problems than those who are a normal weight.
Research carried out by scientists at Purdue University found that elderly people obese to a moderate or severe degree, although not mildly obese people, were more likely to require long-term care because of disability.
Some 4,600 older people with an average age of 76 were assessed, 33 per cent of whom were a normal weight, 39 per cent were classed as overweight, 15 per cent were mildly obese and six per cent were moderately to severely obese.
The study found that 33 per cent of those in the moderately and severely obese category needed to use paid or unpaid care services and were significantly more likely to require help with activities such as dressing and bathing.
"These findings suggest that most obesity-related increases in need for long-term care in the coming decade will be attributable to moderate to extreme obesity," said lead researcher, Professor Laura P Sands.
The US has the highest obesity rates in the world with 64 per cent of adults being overweight or obese, and almost a quarter being obese.
