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Addressing Obesity in Aging Patients
John A Batsis1, Alexandra B Zagaria1
1Section of General Internal Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
The Medical Clinics of North America
|November 21, 2017
Summary
Weight loss interventions improve physical function in older adults but require attention to muscle and bone health. Primary care providers must consider social and nutritional factors for successful obesity management in seniors.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Obesity Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Obesity in older adults negatively impacts morbidity, mortality, quality of life, and institutionalization risk.
- Weight loss interventions show potential for enhancing physical function in geriatric populations.
- Diet-only approaches can compromise muscle and bone physiology, necessitating targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of addressing social and nutritional issues in older adults with obesity.
- To review the limited evidence for pharmacotherapy in geriatric obesity.
- To discuss the use of physiological age for bariatric surgery candidacy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on obesity interventions in older adults.
- Analysis of the impact of diet on musculoskeletal health.
- Examination of pharmacotherapy and surgical options.
Main Results:
- Weight loss interventions can improve physical function but pose risks to muscle and bone.
- Social and nutritional factors are critical for successful management.
- Evidence for pharmacotherapy is insufficient; physiological age is key for bariatric surgery.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive strategies are needed for geriatric obesity, integrating nutritional, social, and musculoskeletal considerations.
- Primary care providers require guidance on managing obesity in older adults.
- Further research is needed on pharmacotherapy and refined criteria for bariatric surgery.
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