Obesity in Seniors

Blog  |  October 25, 2016

Both the characteristics of obesity and the way it affects seniors can be different when compared to how obesity impacts younger adults. This is very important to know, as it may determine if and how obesity should be analyzed and treated in seniors.

Obesity Risks
It’s commonly known and scientifically proven that obesity can contribute to many diseases. In fact, the majority of organs and body systems are negatively affected by obesity. Most commonly, obesity may help bring on hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, and certain cancers. The increase in people with type 2 diabetes is of particular concern, as diabetes is a well-known risk factor in heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and other serious medical conditions. Physical disability and mobility can also be a major problem due to the effect of weight on joints.

There are mental complications as well. Obesity affects cognition, which includes the way we process information, memory, comprehension, problem solving, and decisions. These functions are known to deteriorate with age, and studies show that they deteriorate more rapidly in the population affected by obesity. Since proper cognition help seniors to live fuller and more independent lives, this effect of obesity is more relevant than ever as we age.

Obesity has also been clearly linked to a lesser overall quality of life, which is of particular concern to the aging adult. Seniors can already be plagued by multiple conditions that decrease their quality of life, and obesity only adds another burden.

Be Sure to Review Medications that Can Cause Weight Gain

Seniors should watch for weight gain, and review the drugs they are taking with their doctors. Those commonly known to cause weight gain include the following:

• Antiepileptics (antiseizure drugs)
• Antipsychotics
• Antidepressants
• Antihyperglycemic drugs
• Beta-blockers
• Steroids

If medically appropriate, a weight-neutral drug should be substituted for one suspected of causing weight gain. The doctor or specialist who prescribed the original drug should be notified or consulted about any change.

Screening for Overweight and Obesity in Older Adults

When we grow older, we tend to lose our muscle mass and it gets replaced with fat. Our BMI (Body Mass Index) may not change, but in reality, our fat-stores increase, as does the chance of being affected by obesity and its related diseases. BMI can also be inaccurate in seniors for another common reason. As we grow old, we often get shorter. This is due to osteoporosis and spinal vertebral issues that take away inches in older age. Since BMI is a measure calculated from height and weight, a change in height will change BMI as well. In fact, if a senior weighs the same, and his or her height is now less, then the BMI will be falsely higher. This could classify the senior as “overweight”, while in reality, that is not the case. Scientists and physicians still debate about a better measure for weight classification, but for now, BMI is the accepted one and physicians need to use it, while understanding its limitations.

Planned Weight Loss

Some studies show that even a weight loss of 3 percent in older adults may significantly improve inflammation, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. However, the senior’s doctor should be consulted before beginning any weight loss program. Here are some typical suggestions for planned weight loss:

• Exercise and strength training can optimize overall health and quality of life. Lower impact activities such as walking, swimming, and bicycling are generally safe for many older adults, even those who have chronic conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure. But the key is to start slowly. Warming up and cooling down by walking and stretching before and after each session is important to minimize any soreness or potential injury.
• Following a sensible diet can help prevent excess weight gain. But it’s also important to note that older adults occasionally have naturally occurring loss of taste or difficulty chewing that can make adhering to certain dietary recommendations challenging.
• Drug therapy or bariatric surgery may be suggested for older obese patients. However, all benefits and risks should be taken into consideration before opting for surgery. Surprisingly enough, the outcomes, complications, and mortality rates associated with bariatric surgery have been shown to be acceptable for adults age 65 and older.

Comfort Keepers^® can help. Our caregivers can help plan and prepare healthy meals for loved ones. They will also take note of the senior’s overall health, and help them follow dietary guidelines and prescribed exercise regimens. Call your local office today to discover all of our available services.

References:
Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. “Obesity in the Elderly: More Complicated Than You Think.” Web 2014.

Obesity Action Coalition (OAC). “Obesity in the Elderly” by Nadia B. Pietrzykowska, MD, FACP. Web. 2016.
Today’s Dietician. “Older Adults and Obesity – Is Dieting the Answer?” by Lindsey Getz. August 2013 issue.

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