title: [Energy metabolism in the elderly].
abstract: The energy metabolism in elderly subjects is discussed on the basis of previous analyses of the influence of age on the three components of energy expenditure in man: basal metabolic rate, thermogenesis and physical activity. All three components are diminished in elderly people. We conclude that the modifications of body composition, in particular the age-related loss of lean body mass, result in decreased basal metabolic rate and probably also a blunted diet-induced thermogenesis. Moreover we emphasize that the decrease in physical activity observed in elderly people is the most likely causal factor.
authors.affiliation: Zentrum für Lehre und Farschung, Kantonsspital Basel.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bloesch
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Schutz
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D001481:Basal Metabolism; D001823:Body Composition; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D006801:Humans; D005082:Physical Exertion
vernacular_title: Métabolisme énergétique des personnes âgées.