weight but that have not fully understood the impact of weight change on healthy older adults.

She explained that the study looked at nearly 17,000 adults, who were at least 70 years old in Australia, and more than 2,000 adults in the United States, who were at least 65 years old.

Everyone who participated in the study was weighed at their annual checkup between 2010 and 2014, according to the study.

“Our study found that even a 5 per cent weight loss increases mortality risk, particularly in older men,” Dr. Hussain said, adding that weight gain in healthy older people, on the other hand, showed no association.

The Clinical Nutrition Director, Mount Sinai Health System, Perri Halperin, who was not involved in the study, noted that the association was found across starting weights, which meant that people who are medically classified as obese were also at an increased risk when losing weight.

The study was able to also account for health issues at the start, it was noted.

Dr. Hussain noted, however, that the study excluded people who had health conditions like cardiovascular disease, dementia, physical disabilities or chronic illness.

He also said the study was not able to distinguish if people involved lost weight intentionally or unintentionally, Hussain added.

Halperin pointed out in an email that the researchers excluded those with recent hospitalisations, which is important because hospitalization is often followed by weight loss due to acute conditions.

“No questions were asked about changes in activity level and diet quality between the baseline study visit and subsequent study visits. So, we don’t have any information on how those factors may have impacted the results,” he stated.

Based on the study, weight loss may be a risk factor for mortality as it can likewise signal underlying medical issues.

According to Dr. Hussain, weight loss may be a warning sign for conditions like cancer and dementia, and it is “often linked to reduced appetite influenced by inflammation and hormones.”

Underlying chronic health conditions can also trigger weight loss in older adults by impacting appetite, metabolism and eating habits, Halperin further stated in the mail.

He noted that mobility issues and medication side effects can also affect weight.

“Changes in weight can also signal concerns in lifestyle. A major contributing factor to weight loss in older adults is social isolation. Other concerns include financial constraints and pain and discomfort,” she added.

Halperin said in studies like this, remembering that correlation is not causation is important.

She pointed out that weight loss was associated with mortality, which meant it is correlated – but that doesn’t mean the weight loss caused a person’s death.

“It’s also important to say that the opposite cannot be extrapolated nor recommended, for example, gaining weight would not necessarily decrease your mortality risk. As always, discuss weight changes with your doctor or other medical professionals.”

Halperin noted that the takeaway is for older adults to monitor their weight change.

She said, “If they notice a decrease in the number on the scale (weight loss) or perhaps pants that were once snug-fitting looser (decreased waist circumference), bring it up with their doctor for possible further screening or testing.”

But the advice also goes for the medical community, she said, adding that doctors and health care providers need to know that changes in weight require further investigation.

Speaking against this backdrop, An Academic Family Physician at the University of Manitoba, Canada, Dr. Temitope Ajayi, noted that is no acceptable weight for the elderly as it is usually measured in relation to their height.

The physician, whose specialty is in Community Geriatric Care and Primary Palliative Care, stressed that height is very important to work out the Body Mass Index of an elderly person.

He said, “Sudden or significant weight loss in elderly people predisposes them to frailty due to loss of skeletal muscle bulk. This can increase fatigue and reduce their level of endurance.

“Overall, it makes them more prone to repeated falls, imbalance, and increased risks of fractures. Weight loss also predisposes them to infection and prolonged wound healing.

“A healthy diet for the elderly comprises more fruits and vegetables, less fat and more protein. This is encompassed in what we refer to as a Mediterranean diet.

“Exercise tolerance varies across individuals, so adults generally need stretching exercises to improve their muscle function and stability. Exercises are needed but should be based on specific individual needs”.

Also speaking with PUNCH Healthwise, a Dietitian and Nutritionist, Miracle Agboola, said the acceptable weight for the elderly, especially those above 65 years is between 55kg and 75kg.

“Being underweight can be detrimental to one’s health, especially for older people. It increases the risk of bone fracture during a fall. It weakens the immune system, thereby, increasing susceptibility to infections.

“Drastic weight loss in the elderly also increases the risk of being deficient in important nutrients like vitamins and minerals. It could also worsen underlying medical conditions. Nutrient deficiency, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, fatigue, and depression (arising from worries about weight loss) could occur as a result of massive weight loss.”

To prevent detrimental weight loss, she advised that a diet low in fat, high fibre and moderate calorie be embraced.

“Meals should be served in small proportions. Their favourite meals should be prepared, and disease conditions, if any, should be taken into consideration. Their loved ones or favourites should prepare their meals, as this could help them to bond and eat better.

“Increasing their intake of Zinc rich foods like beans, meat, and poultry should be done to improve their sense of taste. There should always be availability of food and healthy snacks like fruits so they don’t go hungry.

Agboola noted that an efficient method of food preservation like refrigeration has proven to encourage meal preparation and eating in the elderly, as it reduces the frequency at which they have to go to the market.

“Encouraging them also goes a long way to improve their eating habit as they are battling physiological changes that can suppress appetite. Meanwhile, exercise should not be avoided totally. Moderate-intensity activity such as a brisk walk for 10 minutes daily should be fine,” she advised.

Source: healthwise.punchng.com