Rapid Weight Loss… Is It Bad For Those Over 50?
As individuals age, their bodies undergo numerous changes, some normal and others less so. One common cause of medical concern for elderly adults is unexplained or unintentional weight loss. This occurs when a person’s weight decreases by 10 percent or more over six months or longer with no apparent change of behavior on his or her part.
Older adults who experience unintentional weight loss are at an increased risk of depression, infection, and death. Unfortunately, unintentional weight loss in seniors is relatively common, with an annual incidence of nearly 13 percent.
The widespread occurrence and significant hazards related to weight loss in older adults lead many to wonder what causes it. Although the condition can be difficult to trace and treat, medical researchers have made some headway into what triggers weight loss, as well as how doctors can reduce its harmful effects.
Why Does Unintended Weight Loss Occur In Older Adults?
- Medication side effects – Medications and other medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, can negatively impact the desire to consume food and result in weight loss.
- Functional decline – As the metabolism slows down, individuals often lose lean muscle mass. Decreased senses of smell and taste can also lead to lower appetites, and for those without adequate assistance, older adults may be unable to cook for themselves.
- Mental health conditions – Individuals who have experienced changes, such as moving to elder care facilities or declining health, may feel depressed or anxious. These conditions can lead to decreased appetite.
Despite the myriad of reasons doctors have identified for excessive weight loss, one quarter of elderly patients who lose too much weight do so with no apparent medical explanation. Going forward, improving diagnosis rates for this phenomenon must be a priority to reduce unnecessary deaths and worsening of existing conditions.
How Medical Providers Manage Weight Loss in the Elderly
Depending on the cause of the patient’s weight loss, physicians may utilize one of many treatment options for underweight individuals. These methods include:
- Nutritional supplements – Liquid calorie supplements help medical providers give additional calories to patients in between meals.
- Exercise and physical therapy – When individuals increase their activity levels, it often stimulates appetite and leads to increased food intake.
- Removing dietary restrictions – For patients on restricted diets, allowing them to eat wider varieties of foods may help them take greater pleasure in eating. Flavor enhancers can also improve the palatability of meals for those with reduced tasting and smelling senses.
- Appetite-modifying medications – Doctors may use a wide variety of medications, from antidepressants to anti-anorexia drugs or recombinant human growth hormone, to facilitate weight gain. However, this is considered a last-resort treatment by many providers.
- Mental health therapy – In patients whose weight loss may be attributable to depression or anxiety, addressing these conditions through medication or therapy can help restore appetite.
- Feeding tubes – When oral food intake becomes too difficult or impossible, family members may discuss the benefits and drawbacks of long-term tube feeding with the physician. Often, this method fails to produce the desired weight gain and carries additional risks, such as infection.
Unexplained weight loss in older adults can cause a great deal of concern to patients and their families. With timely and attentive medical treatment, individuals can regain lost weight along with wellbeing, mobility, and independence.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You must consult with your doctor! Before starting, stopping, or changing any part of your diet, supplants, medication, exercise routine, or anything related to your health or a medical issue, please consult your doctor first.
Sources:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2002/0215/p640.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3050948/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC552892/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/229858-reasons-for-elderly-people-losing-weight/
http://www.nova.edu/gec/forms/fgcma_undernutrition_weight_loss.pdf
Category: Over 50 - Weight Loss
