Obesity in the elderly

It is important to understand that about nineteen percent of people gain weight later in life. Gaining weight in old age is as serious as gaining weight earlier in life. If the weight gain is continuous throughout life, obesity in the elderly is the cause of Diabetes Type 2. It has been noted that the percentage of body fat is at its highest around the age of sixty. Many Americans will have the responsibility of taking care of elderly parents. It is advisable to have some understanding of the changes that occur in later life.

It is important to the health of the elderly person to maintain a stable weight. During the ageing process many changes occur. One of these changes must not be the gaining of too much weight. Some weight is beneficial. Some weight places stress on the skeleton. This is a good thing because it helps prevent the occurrence of hip fractures. However, this is no go ahead for excessive weight gain later on in life. Obesity in the elderly is a serious condition in need of specialized care.

Treating obesity in the elderly is a specialized process requiring medical intervention. The excess body fat must be reduced. However, it must be accomplished without the loss of any lean mass. If this happens, the elderly person will become too fragile. It must be understood the treatment of obesity in the elderly is to improve the quality of life. In a younger person the treatment of obesity is to prevent disease.

There is ongoing research into the causes and treatment of obesity in the elderly. The most common reason for a mature person putting on weight is lack of physical exercise. The weight gain is not due to eating more. Those who take care of elderly parents must encourage a little daily exercise such as walking. Very often, the elderly are alone during the day. Daily exercise is so important in preventing and treating obesity in the elderly a solution must be found.

It is not necessary for the elderly individual to join a gym. Walking alone during the day may not be possible for a number of reasons. The aim should be to carry out low intensity physical activity. A good alternative to walking is knee-bends. This activity is possible with a chair and in the home. It is vital to get the balance right between nutrition and exercise. Obesity in the elderly is avoidable and must be treated as soon as there is any sign of weight gain.