Obesity and Ageing: Everything You Need to Know
We know ageing induces many changes in our bodies. However, some are inevitable, while others can be managed or even prevented. Of many health issues that come with aging, obesity is one and the most important among them. People of any age can become obese, and the reasons are any, but when it comes to ageing, hormonal changes and less active lifestyles are the major risk factors. This is because as we age, the muscle mass is reduced, which results in reduced metabolism and calorie needs.
All the changes make it hard to maintain a healthy weight, especially if you don’t have control over what you eat and fail to maintain an active lifestyle. Obesity means gaining too much body fat. Obesity that is caused by ageing can result in various health problems, from mobility to mental health. In this blog, let’s explore how obesity and aging are connected, the health risks in older adults that are developed with obesity, and strategies to manage weight as we age.
Understanding obesity and ageing
To tell if a person is obese or not, experts use a simple formula related to the Body Mass Index (BMI), a basic weight index based on height.
BMI = weight (kg)/(height in meters)2
According to this equation, if BMI is 30 or above, then he or she is considered to be obese. But, in the case of older adults, this measure might not work because it doesn’t account for fat or muscle mass, which plays a key role here. Losing muscle mass and gaining fat is the natural process in ageing people, yet their weight remains the same.
This change in older adults almost goes unnoticable, making it hard to find and manage. Ageing has many other effects, like reduced metabolism, bone density, and muscle strength. All these changes pose a great challenge for older adults to maintain a healthy weight, increasing the risk of obesity. In addition, as we age, we fall into a sedentary lifestyle, which may further contribute to weight gain.
The relationship between ageing and obesity
Obesity and ageing have a complicated and reciprocal relationship. Factors like reduced metabolism, hormonal changes, and a lack of physical activity are responsible for increasing the risk of obesity with increasing age. On the contrary, obesity can also speed up the ageing process. This may result in the development of age-related diseases earlier than usual and also reduce life expectancy.
Metabolism: With increasing age, the number of calories required by the body to perform basic functions will be reduced. This means the body of older adults uses fewer calories, making it easier to gain weight.
Hormonal Changes: Ageing leads to changes in certain hormonal levels, such as reducing the growth hormones, estrogen, and testosterone. These hormonal fluctuations lead to reduced muscle mass and fat gain, especially around the abdomen.
Reduced physical activity: With ageing, people may experience joint pains, mobility problems, etc., which ultimately affect physical activity levels. This can influence weight gain and the development of obesity.
Chronic health conditions: Increasing age may bring many chronic health conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease, which may be worsened by obesity. Furthermore, these conditions limit physical activity.
Health risks associated with obesity in older people
Obesity can lead to a range of health problems, especially in elderly people, which can impact quality of life and longevity. Here are the most common and serious health problems in the ageing population that are linked to obesity:
- Cardiovascular diseases like heart disease, stroke, and hypertension
- Type 2 diabetes, which causes high blood sugar levels.
- Osteoarthritis, which is commonly seen in knee joints, hip joints, and lower back
- Respiratory problems like sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cognitive decline and dementia
- Reduced Life Expectancy
How to manage obesity in ageing populations
Given the health problems caused by obesity in older adults, it is important to maintain an ideal weight. Here are some tips to prevent weight gain as we age:
Dietary changes: Consuming a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, etc., plays an important role in managing weight and improving overall health. These foods provide essential vitamins and minerals. To prevent weight gain, avoid taking processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat foods.
Regular physical activity: Staying physically active is an essential part of life for anyone who wants to manage their weight. Especially for older people, it is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises to maintain muscle mass. Opt for walking, swimming, yoga, and strength training options for better results.
Behavioural techniques: Set realistic goals, track your progress, and take support from your family, friends, or a healthcare team to stay on track with your weight management efforts. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can be effective if you wish to change your eating and exercise habits.
Medical interventions: In some cases, medical interventions like medications, weight loss surgery, or treating underlying health conditions are necessary to prevent or manage obesity in older adults.
Regular health check-ups: Regular check-ups are very important to monitor weight gain and assess other health conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to preventing obesity and the complications associated with it.
Ageing and obesity frequently cross paths. However, understanding the relationship between them can help you to prevent weight gain and improve your quality of life if you are old or when you become old. Remember, you are never too old to make positive changes in your life—taking even small steps towards your health can have a great impact on your overall health and well-being. If you are obese and looking for weight loss solutions, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best bariatric surgeons for weight loss in Hyderabad.
