Solving the Obesity Crisis in Older Adults with the Mediterranean Diet: Policy Brief

Obesity is a chronic disease classified by excessive accumulation of fat which may impair health. The prevalence of obesity is increasing in most nations worldwide, both developed and developing. At the same time, the aging population is also growing worldwide. In the United States, approximately 38% of adults 60+ years old are obese, with similar trends in Canada and the United Kingdom. Obesity is associated with increased risk of death (mortality) and disease (morbidity) and carries specific risks for older adults, such disability and frailty. It also presents a financial burden. The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is an extensively studied healthy diet pattern which can be used to combat obesity in older populations. Specifically for older adults, the MedDiet has benefits over other common diets or weight-loss interventions. This policy brief provides suggestions specifically for the Canadian population, though they are general enough to be applied to other countries.