Preventing weight gain through exercise and physical activity in the elderly: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Preventive Medicine
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Weight gain is a concern for older adults and postmenopausal women.
• Understanding the role of physical activity in weight management is crucial for this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the scientific literature on the effectiveness of exercise and physical activity in preventing weight gain in older adults and postmenopausal women.
• To identify the types of exercise and physical activity and their impact on weight change.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed (January 2000 - June 2011) using MeSH terms related to weight gain, exercise, physical activity, and aged adults.
• Included studies focused on adults aged 65 years or older, or postmenopausal women, examining various forms of exercise and weight change measures.
• Nine primary studies were identified, with varying designs including exercise interventions, hypocaloric diets, and observational approaches.

Main Results:

• Exercise interventions were associated with significant weight loss (1.1-6 kg) in overweight older adults.
• Observational studies indicated that exercise and physical activity contribute to weight maintenance in general or overweight-unspecified populations.
• Exercise interventions also showed benefits in preserving lean body mass.

Conclusions:

• Exercise and physical activity are effective strategies for preventing weight gain in older adults and postmenopausal women, leading to either weight loss or maintenance.
• These activities play a vital role in preserving lean body mass, which is important for managing the effects of weight reduction in later life.
• There is a potential gap in primordial prevention strategies focusing on preventing excess weight in geriatric and postmenopausal populations.