Dietary Management for Older Subjects with Obesity

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Health consequences of obesity in older adults

Obesity is a recognized risk factor for serious health problems, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, and some cancers [8], [9], [10], [11]. It has been estimated that obesity may be associated with approximately 7% of health care costs in the United States [12].

Weight gain is frequently caused by a decrease in physical activity and energy expenditure and a reduced need for calories to maintain lean body mass and weight. Reasons for this gain in

Considerations in weight loss for elderly persons

Many approaches can be incorporated into a weight-management plan for elderly adults who are obese. Strategies may include, but are not limited to, behavior modification, dietary modifications, and exercise and physical activity or training [10]. For younger adults, calorie restriction is an effective and generally successful method to weight reduction; however, in older adults calorie restriction without a structure or plan may contribute to an inadequate intake of essential nutrients and a

Treatment of obesity and nutrient requirements in older adults

Knowledge about the treatment of obesity in older adults is limited, because clinical trials tend to exclude older persons; therefore, the efficacy of interventions (surgery, exercise, drugs, or diet) has not been adequately evaluated in this group [23]. Surgery is not a reasonable option for weight loss in older adults because of the potential health risks associated with elective major surgery. Hypocaloric diets must still meet nutrient needs for older adults. Key nutrient requirements that

Weight reduction strategies for older adults

Weight reduction in older adults who are overweight and obese is not easy, even with a motivated patient. It is important to attempt to make changes in diet that do not compromise nutritional status, that meet nutritional requirements, and contribute to a healthy, sustained decline in weight. Small changes may have positive effects in older subjects. In a Scottish study, weight loss of 4% in a sample of older adults who had moderate overweight reduced plasma cholesterol, high-density

Weight loss options for older adults

Weight loss in people who have overweight and obesity is often unsuccessful. New diets become must-try fads, regardless of sound advice from nutrition professionals. Quick weight loss associated with a limited dietary regimen may yield fast results, but if a diet cannot be sustained for a long period without endangering nutritional health, then a yo-yo effect occurs, which includes rapid weight loss, weight gain, and another rapid weight-loss diet with recurrent weight gain.

Weight loss is a big

Recommendations

Weight loss programs for older adults should focus on maintaining adequate intake of essential nutrients, including protein, vitamins, minerals, fluid, and fiber, while reducing caloric intake by controlling dietary fat intake. The National, Heart, Lung and Blood Institute now recommends the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet [49], [50], which is rich in the following: fruits and vegetables; high-quality lean meats, poultry, and fish; low-fat dairy products; whole-grain breads

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