BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The predictive value of body mass and functional capacity for 1 year mortality was examined retrospectively in 552 consecutive geriatric patients categorized in 14 diagnosis groups. METHODS: Data on body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)) was retrievable from 337 subjects. In 532 patients, Katz indexes of activities of daily life (ADL, A-G; A=independent, G total dependence) were registered. The mean age (+/- SD) was 81 +/- 8 years, two-thirds were women and 75% lived alone. Mortality data was obtained from the Swedish population records. RESULTS: Thirty-six per cent of the patients had BMI values 25. Less than 2% were diagnosed as malnourished. The 1 year mortalities of those with BMI 25 were 48%, 29% and 18% respectively (P 20 as compared with those having BMI