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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Obesity and weight management in the elderly
T S Han1, Abdelouahid Tajar, M E J Lean
1Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Ashford and St Peter’s NHS Trust, Chertsey, Surrey, UK.
British Medical Bulletin
|February 18, 2011
Summary
Obesity in older adults, including sarcopenic obesity, presents significant health challenges. Modest weight loss through diet and exercise improves outcomes, with age not being a barrier to effective interventions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Obesity Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Aging populations face increasing rates of obesity, leading to significant health burdens.
- Obesity in the elderly often masks sarcopenia, characterized by fat gain and muscle loss, exacerbated by inactivity.
- Traditional Body Mass Index (BMI) may be less accurate in older adults, potentially misinterpreting obesity risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the health consequences of obesity in the elderly.
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of weight management strategies for older adults.
- To highlight the importance of preventing obesity and sarcopenic obesity in later life.
Main Methods:
- Systematic computerized literature search across Medline, Cochrane Collaboration, Ovid, and Scholar Google.
- Keywords used: obesity, elderly, weight loss.
- Literature accessed on October 20, 2010.
Main Results:
- Obesity in the elderly is linked to type 2 diabetes, arthritis, incontinence, and depression.
- Modest weight loss (5-10 kg) with maintenance strategies alleviates medical consequences.
- A combination of exercise and calorie restriction is optimal for reducing fat mass while preserving muscle mass.
- Orlistat shows no age-related hazards; bariatric surgery risks outweigh benefits in older individuals.
Conclusions:
- Age is not a barrier to weight management interventions like calorie restriction and exercise.
- Preventing obesity and sarcopenic obesity from younger ages and during life transitions is crucial for better health and quality of life in older adults.
- Further randomized controlled trials are needed to assess long-term weight management benefits and risks in obese elderly individuals.
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