"Weight loss preoccupation in aging women": a review

Preoccupation with body weight leading to frequent dieting has been found to be common in young women of developed countries. Little is known however about body image preoccupation or the prevalence of dieting for weight control purposes in elderly women. The few available reports suggest that preoccupation with weight remain high in elderly women and that pressure to be thin drives normal weight older women to recurrent dieting. After a reminder of the nutritional vulnerability of the elderly recommendations to the health care professionals and health authorities are provided. An increased awareness of eating habits and weight preoccupation in elderly women is needed, since attitudes towards weight may influence the effectiveness of medical advice and health promotion campaigns.