This communication discusses the use of the body mass index, its limitations and applications in the assessment of the nutritional status of the elderly. There is consensus between researchers that an increase in body weight in individuals of more advanced age is advisable, changing the cut-off points previously used. Currently, the cut-off points recommended for the definition of underweight (body mass index <22kg/m²), normal range (body mass index between 22 and 27kg/m²) and overweight (body mass index >27kg/m²), differ from the values recommended for adults and frequently used for the elderly. This proposal takes into consideration the changes in body composition that occur with aging. Although not representing the individual's body composition, the ease of obtaining weight and height data, as well as their good correlation with morbidity and mortality, justify the use of the body mass index in epidemiological studies and in clinical practice if age-specific cut-off values are used, especially if associated with other anthropometric measurements that express the composition and distribution of body fat.
anthropometry; nutritional status; aged; body mass index; mortality