Md Choice Hospice Care

Obesity in seniors: What causes the elderly to gain weight.

Excess weight has now become a major issue in today’s society. And the truth is that no matter your age, you are in danger of gaining weight. When it comes to seniors, though, it’s worth mentioning that their lifestyle and associated disorders make them two times more likely to become obese.

The digestive system of an aged person’s body develops issues. Furthermore, the decline in physical activity with age has a significant unfavorable impact.

What causes obesity?

Constant overeating is the primary and most prevalent cause of obesity. It might be connected to a person’s psychological state, eating habits, certain foods, and so on. Obesity may also be caused by a decline in energy consumption. Every ten years, our weight grows by 10%, while our energy consumption falls by 10%, implying that our metabolism slows and our cardiovascular and respiratory systems become less active. In fact, a slowed metabolism leads to an increase in body weight.

Furthermore, a shift in the hormonal state can contribute to excess weight as the body begins to store fat as a warning indication of impending issues. 

Blog picture (1)

Women in their menopausal era are more prone to acquire weight as a result of hormonal imbalances.

Other factors causing obesity are;

  • Aging and dealing with stresses

Even the healthiest person will acquire weight as he or she ages. It’s quite normal. Our metabolic systems are considerably faster when we are young, and as we experience and cope with stress, we tend to lose weight. As we all know, adrenaline kills our tissues and cells, yet our bodies can withstand this harmful impact for a short time. However, as we become older, our bodies find it increasingly difficult to deal with it.

When a person reaches the age of 35, he or she begins to acquire weight as a result of stress. This occurs when the body’s natural ability to cope with adrenaline wears out, and the body’s normal production of insulin kicks in, causing fat to build. Chronic stress promotes fast weight gain by the age of forty, and the risk of obesity increases as one gets older.

  • Diets

You can maintain yourself in shape with the aid of diets. They come in handy when you need to get yourself in order quickly, such as before a big event, a vacation, or a date. Almost every woman has gone on a diet at some point in her life. However, while a diet can be a helpful companion in youth, it can be a cruel joke in old age. The tendency is that the more diets you tried as a kid, the more likely you are to gain weight as an adult.

Why is obesity dangerous especially in old age?

Obesity in old age is regarded as the most harmful, despite the fact that it poses several health risks in a young body. This is a serious metabolic disorder. Joints, ligaments, and bones are all problematic in the elderly. Excess weight puts a greater strain on them, resulting in osteochondrosis, arthrosis, and decreased joint mobility.

It causes the cardiovascular system to be put under more stress. It is especially challenging for the respiratory organs, which are unable to adequately supply oxygen to all tissues.

Obesity is linked to a number of serious illnesses, including kidney disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. People who are overweight are known to have an increased risk of acquiring cancer. As a result, it’s vital to take precautions to avoid gaining weight as you age.

How to treat obesity in seniors?

Blog picture (2)

It is necessary to lose excess weight not quickly, but correctly. To do this, keep an eye on your nutrition. You should eat at around the same time every day. Every day, there should be three main meals and two supplementary snacks. Eat frequently but in tiny amounts. There are several systems and algorithms available to assess calorie intake for weight loss. If the elderly begin to consume fewer calories each day, their weight will undoubtedly decrease.

And what’s more crucial, stick to the drinking schedule. Water naturally flushes impurities and slags from the body and enhances skin health.

Switching to healthy nutrition can aid in the avoidance of restrictive diets and hunger strikes, both of which are exceedingly harmful to one’s health. There may be some challenges initially, such as a sensation of hunger and a desire for familiar but dangerous things. Remember that your health is much more important. Don’t try to eat the stress out.

Obesity is a serious issue, but it doesn’t have to become a source of stress or cause additional injury. Simply stick to a balanced diet, but see a doctor before adding or removing any foods or exercises. The condition requires a unique approach. It’s impossible to predict how your body will react to changes.

Skip to content