Obesity is in the news just about every day, with concerns for family members from 5 to 105. But are the health risks the same for older and younger family members who carry excess weight, and is it appropriate for the elderly to try to lose excess body weight to improve health and quality of life?

First, obesity is on the rise among all people, including persons over 65 years old. Second, research shows that obesity can accelerate the decline in physical function seen in some older persons, potentially leading to a decline in quality of life including the ability to live independently. Also, although obese older adults may live as long as those at a healthier body weight, they are at higher risk for diabetes and other chronic diseases, and they spend considerably more on health care.

Some health professionals are reluctant to recommend weight loss for obese older adults due to concerns about potential adverse effects on muscle and bone mass. However, several studies have found that weight loss regimes can help older persons lose weight while improving physical function, quality of life, and medical conditions (like diabetes) that often are associated with obesity. To promote retention of muscle and bone mass, it is recommended that weight loss programs for older family members include weight-bearing exercise and adequate intake of protein, calcium and vitamin D.

Older adults who want to lose weight should first get a thorough medical check-up. If weight loss is recommended, they should choose a research-based weight management program, possibly offered by a local Extension office, or consult with a registered dietitian with weight management expertise.

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida IFAS Extension, the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences and of WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at familyalbumradio.org.

Podcast: Weight Management in Older Adults
Written by: Linda Bobroff
Reviewed by: Donna Davis

References

Lakdawall DN, Goldman DP and Shang B. The health and cost consequences of obesity among the future elderly. Health Affairs. 2005 (Web exclusive) Available at: http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/content/full/hlthaff.w5.r30/DC1

Villareal DT, Apovian CM, Kushner RF and Klein S. Obesity in older adults: technical review and position statement of the American Society for Nutrition and NAASO, The Obesity Society. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005;82:923-34.

Other Papers of Interest

Manini TM, Everhart JE, Patel KV, Schoeller DA, Colbert LH, Visser M, Tylavsky F, Bauer DC, Goodpaster BH and Harris TB. Daily activity energy expenditure and mortality among older adults. JAMA. 2006;296:171-79.