ISLAMABAD  -  The findings of a study suggest that most of the older people are obese and overweight and this obesity leads to chronic diseases and stresses the need for improving awareness about diet, exercise, risk of obesity and management of chronic illnesses in older people.The study has been jointly launched by the Health Services Academy (HSA) and HelpAge International Pakistan. The 'cross-sectional nutritional assessment of population 50 years and above' in three districts Rahimyar Khan, Shikarpur and Jacobabad has been prepared by Prof Shamsa Zafar, Dr Mariam Ashraf, and Dr Zaeema Arif who are associated with the HSA.The quantitative parameters were measured in 514 participants. According to the findings, the prevalence of malnutrition was found to be 9 per cent, prevalence of overweight was 27 per cent and obesity was detected in 21 per cent respondents. Malnutrition calculated through mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) was found to be 5 per cent (3 per cent severe acute malnutrition and 2 per cent moderate acute malnutrition).The study highlights that educational status was poor with only 25 per cent having any formal schooling. And majority of the older men was still working (mostly as farmers) and was the decision makers in the family."The dietary habits in this population revealed that about 42 per cent only had two meals a day, which mostly comprised of vegetables and pulses, with occasional consumption of fruit and meat. Majority perceived good diet as the only measure for maintaining good health; very few considered exercise to be important. A significant proportion of older population (65 per cent) was suffering from a diagnosed disease, of which arthritis, diabetes and hypertension were the top three ailments."Dr Zaeema Naveed who discussed the qualitative findings of the study said qualitative findings of six focus group discussions (FGDs) with 63 participants revealed that people although generally familiar with the constituents of a balanced diet, are actually not consuming it.In addition many fancy eating particular food types specially meat but are unable to satiate the wish. The major constraint in acquiring a good quality and quantity of food were financial and many demanded that government should ensure food security measures, particularly targeting the older people, she added. The study shows that comparatively a small percentage of older people have malnutrition. In this study, obesity and overweight is one of the concerns, these findings are consistent with another study carried out nationwide where majority of the older people were either obese or overweight. The government agencies and non-governmental organisations providing services to marginalised older people in Pakistan are very few. Besides, there are very few residential facilities for older people, no dedicated funds or discounts for basic care, no allowances after retirement and no discounts in medical coverage.