Prevalence of disability in Australian elderly: Impact of trends in obesity and diabetes

We demonstrate, for the first time, a substantial potential impact of obesity and diabetes trends on disability amongst those aged 55-74 years. In Australian adults by 2025 we estimate that around 26% of disability cases would have been avoidable if there had been no change in obesity and diabetes prevalence since 1980. A similar impact is likely around the world in developed countries.