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Obesity

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The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...

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Updated: Jun 10, 2026

A Chronic High-Intensity Interval Training and Diet-Induced Obesity Model to Maximize Exercise Effort and Induce Physiologic Changes in Rats

A Chronic High-Intensity Interval Training and Diet-Induced Obesity Model to Maximize Exercise Effort and Induce Physiologic Changes in Rats

Published on: April 28, 2023

Obesity paradox during aging.

Ian M Chapman¹

¹Division of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia. ian.chapman@adelaide.edu.au

Interdisciplinary Topics in Gerontology

|August 13, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Obesity in older adults presents a complex health picture, with overweight potentially linked to better survival despite cardiovascular risks. Caution is advised when recommending weight loss solely based on body weight in the elderly.

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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Published on: May 30, 2025

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Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

A Chronic High-Intensity Interval Training and Diet-Induced Obesity Model to Maximize Exercise Effort and Induce Physiologic Changes in Rats

A Chronic High-Intensity Interval Training and Diet-Induced Obesity Model to Maximize Exercise Effort and Induce Physiologic Changes in Rats

Published on: April 28, 2023

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report

Published on: May 30, 2025

Area of Science:

Gerontology
Obesity Medicine
Cardiovascular Health

Background:

Obesity is a known risk factor for morbidity and mortality in younger populations.
The impact of obesity in the elderly is more complex, with survival benefits observed at higher body weights.
The 'obesity paradox' describes how overweight elderly individuals may have increased cardiovascular disease risk but decreased mortality from these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the nuanced effects of obesity in the elderly population.
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of weight loss interventions in older adults.
To provide guidance on recommending weight loss for overweight elderly individuals.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on obesity, aging, and cardiovascular disease.
Analysis of the 'obesity paradox' in elderly populations.
Consideration of weight loss strategies including diet, exercise, medication, and surgery in older adults.

Main Results:

Maximal survival in the elderly is associated with increasing body weight.
Overweight elderly individuals exhibit the 'obesity paradox' concerning cardiovascular disease risk and mortality.
Weight loss interventions (diet, exercise, drugs, surgery) have specific considerations and outcomes in older adults.

Conclusions:

Intentional weight loss in obese older adults is likely safe and beneficial for obesity-related morbidities.
Weight loss recommendations for overweight elderly individuals should be made with caution, not solely based on body weight.
Combining diet with exercise is crucial to preserve muscle mass in older adults undergoing weight loss; drug and surgical interventions require further study in this demographic.