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Assess function explores risk-based strategies for evaluating obesity’s impact on health, daily living, and independence, highlighting key assessment tools and considerations for older adults.
No apparent risk factors, physical symptoms, functional limitations, or impairments in overall well-being.
Presence of obesity-related subclinical risk factors, mild symptoms, or minor impairments in mental, physical, or functional well-being.
Presence of obesity-related chronic disease, moderate psychopathology, or moderate functional or well-being impairment.
Established end-organ damage, significant psychopathology, significant functional limitations, and/or impairment of well-being.
Severe (potentially end-stage) disabilities from obesity-related chronic diseases, severe disabling psychopathology, severe functional limitations, and/or severe impairment of well-being.
Kathryn N. Porter Starr, PhD, RDN, Associate Professor of Medicine – Geriatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Research Health Scientist, Durham VA Health System
When assessing older adults, it’s essential to align evaluations with their goals and consider the five Ms of geriatrics: what matters most, mobility, multi-complexity, mind, and medication. Screening for sarcopenia using tools like the SARC-F and physical tests such as chair stands helps capture muscle strength, which is a key predictor of function and independence.
In addition, maintaining independence and the ability to manage the activities of daily living (ADLs) are often of primary importance to older adults. One approach to assessing function in older adults is the 4 Ms framework: What matters (to the older adult), medication, mentation, and mobility (Institute for Healthcare Improvement, 2024). See Age-Friendly Health Systems: Guide to Using the 4Ms in the Care of Older Adults in Hospitals and Ambulatory Care Practices for more information about this approach. Other tools for assessing ADLs and instrumental ADLs (IADLs) include (Beaudart et al., 2025):
Overview | Assess BMI | Body Composition Assessments | Assess Function | Screen for Sarcopenic Obesity | Assess for Obesity-Related Complications | Take a Thorough Weight History | Assess Medications | Assess References