title: Weight loss in older persons.
abstract: Weight loss is common in older people. It is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly when unintentional, excessive (>5% body weight), or associated with low body weight (body mass index <22 kg/m(2)). It is often unrecognized, the associated adverse effects not appreciated, and underlying causes not addressed. Intentional weight loss by overweight older people is probably appropriate only when functional problems have resulted from the excess weight. It is important to include, wherever possible, exercise in weight-loss measures to preserve skeletal muscle mass.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, University of Adelaide, Level 6, Eleanor Harrald Building, North Terrace, Adelaide 5000, Australia. ian.chapman@adelaide.edu.au
authors.forename: Ian M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Chapman
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000855:Anorexia / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009133:Muscular Atrophy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012307:Risk Factors; D055948:Sarcopenia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015431:Weight Loss