[Obesity in the elderly: which attitude?].
The body composition is changing with the age. The lean body mass reduces and the fat mass tends to accumulate at the visceral level. Because the weight loss induces a reduction of both fat mass and lean body mass, it is important to remain cautious about the weight loss among the elderly. However, the weight loss is important in obese patients in order to limit the cardio-metabolic complications and to improve the quality of life in term of mobility (e.g. in the context of osteoarthritis). We currently propose a balanced and slightly hypocaloric diet as well as a moderate and practicable physical activity for elderly patients. Cognitive behavioural approach or careful drug therapy can be proposed for obesity management concerning such patients.
Buclin Thiébaud
S
S
Service d'enseignement thérapeutique pour maladies chroniques, Centre collaborateur de l'OMS, Département de médecine communautaire et de premier recours, HUG, 1211 Genève 14. severine.buclin@hcuge.ch
Pataky
Z
Z
Golay
A
A
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D009751:Nutritional Requirements; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*