title: Obesity in the elderly: survival of the fit or fat.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oklahoma University Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.
authors.forename: Banu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sezginsoy
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Jonelle E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: Marie A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Bernard
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000401:mortality* / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology