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Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
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Weight Management in Older Adults.
Lydia E Gill1,2,3, Stephen J Bartels4,5,6,7,8, John A Batsis9,10,11,12,13,14,15
1Dartmouth Centers for Health and Aging, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA. lydia.gill@darmouth.edu.
Current Obesity Reports
|December 3, 2015
Summary
Weight management in older adults is crucial due to obesity risks but requires careful consideration of sarcopenia and fracture risks. New Medicare benefits offer potential support for successful weight loss interventions in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Obesity Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- The aging population is experiencing a rapid increase in obesity rates.
- Obesity in older adults presents significant health risks and economic burdens.
- Abdominal adiposity and comorbid conditions are prevalent in aging individuals, necessitating weight management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight challenges in measuring adiposity in older adults.
- To discuss the risks and benefits of weight loss in this demographic.
- To provide an overview of the Medicare Obesity Benefit and successful interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on adiposity measurement in older adults.
- Analysis of risks (sarcopenia, hip fracture) and benefits of weight loss.
- Summary of outcomes from existing weight loss interventions for seniors.
- Overview of the Medicare Obesity Benefit program.
Main Results:
- Measuring adiposity in older adults presents unique challenges.
- Weight loss in older adults carries risks like sarcopenia and hip fracture, but also potential benefits.
- Successful weight loss interventions exist, and new Medicare benefits may support these efforts.
Conclusions:
- Weight management strategies for older adults must balance benefits against risks such as sarcopenia.
- Careful consideration of individual health status is essential for older adults undergoing weight loss.
- The Medicare Obesity Benefit and evidence-based interventions can advance clinical practice for geriatric weight management.
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