The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing across the whole age range, including among older people, in both developed and developing countries. Increased weight, especially obesity, is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in adults. However, the current standard categories of overweight and obesity based on body mass index (BMI), which were established to reflect such increased morbidity and mortality, are based largely on studies in young and middle-aged adults. As shown by the accompanying study and previous reports, these categories may not be appropriate for older people.