Obesity in the elderly: survival of the fit or fat.
Obesity is an important health problem for the growing elderly segment of the population. Age-related changes in body composition should be taken into account when considering morbidity. Today, sarcopenic obesity, which is defined as excess fat with loss of lean body mass, is a highly prevalent problem. Obesity in the elderly is related to morbidity; e.g., sleep apnea, cancer, osteoarthritis, diabetes and hypertension. The advantages and disadvantages of using BMI, waist circumference, waist: hip ratio, and body weight to measure age-related changes in obesity are discussed. In addition, the merits of treatment options for obesity; e.g., behavioral modifications, diet, and exercise--are described. One important conclusion derived from a review of these treatments is that age itself is not a contraindication for pharmacotherapy or even surgery for morbid obesity.
Sezginsoy
Banu
B
Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oklahoma University Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
Ross
Karen
K
Wright
Jonelle E
JE
Bernard
Marie A
MA
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality* / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology