Healthy Weight Gain for Older Adults

Good nutrition and a healthy body weight are critical to maintaining your well-being and independence as you age. We know that obesity or a high body mass index (BMI) is a leading risk factor for diabetes, heart disease and other health conditions, but a low BMI in seniors can also increase your risk of falls and fractures, weaken your immune system and limit your ability to do day-to-day tasks.

Weight loss can be a normal part of aging due to changes in body mass and muscle, slowing metabolism, a declining sense of taste and smell and an increase in the hormone that causes the feeling of being full. Other factors like swallowing or dental issues, decreased physical activity, isolation and side effects from certain medications can also impact appetite causing weight loss in some seniors. Any unexplained weight changes should always be evaluated by a health professional as they can signal underlying or serious health issues, but if your doctor has ruled out physical concerns, diet and lifestyle changes can help you sustain a healthy weight.

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