title: Excessive Body Weight in Older Adults.
abstract: The health challenges prompted by obesity in the older adult population are poorly recognized and understudied. A defined treatment of geriatric obesity is difficult to establish, as it must take into account biological heterogeneity, age-related comorbidities, and functional limitations (sarcopenia/dynapenia). This retrospective article highlights the current understanding of the optimal body mass index (BMI) in later life, addressing appropriate recommendations based on BMI category, age, and health history. The findings of randomized control trials of weight loss/maintenance interventions help one to move closer to evidence-based and appropriately individualized recommendations for body weight management in older adults.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3003, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Durham VA Medical Center, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC 27710, USA. Electronic address: kathryn.starr@dm.duke.edu.
authors.forename: Kathryn N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Porter Starr
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3003, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Durham VA Medical Center, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Connie W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Bales
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D006801:Humans; D053580:Muscle Strength; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D055948:Sarcopenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs
keywords: Body mass index; Muscle mass; Obesity; Overweight; Physical function; Weight maintenance; Weight reduction