Abstract
Introduction Our population is aging, and along with this increase in the number of older adults, the prevalence of obesity is increasing. This has a number of potential public health concerns, in that obesity has an impact not only on the cardiovascular risk factors and mortality, but also in the functioning and disability factors in older adults. There are very few randomised controlled trials in older adults. This review will outline some of the evidence available in older adults and demonstrate their outcomes. Additionally, we will explore some of the issues revolving around bariatric surgery in older adults and present evidence and controversies noting that it potentially may be a suitable alternative to lifestyle measures. Conclusion Further research is required in older adults with obesity pursuing weight loss regimens.
Highlights
Our population is aging, and along with this increase in the number of older adults, the prevalence of obesity is increasing
body mass index (BMI) accounts both for fat and muscle mass, and as people age, the ratio of fat to muscle may increase[6,7]
In patients > 60 years, overall morbidity was shown to be 8.4% without any deaths, and ageadjusted percentage of excess weight loss between the younger and older cohorts was comparable at 43% at four years[40]. These findings further demonstrate the safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery in the elderly, albeit on a smaller scale
Summary
Obesity in older adults is a growing public health concern. Recently, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) demonstrated that the prevalence of obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m2, is increasing[1]. The percentage of men over the age of 60, classified as being obese and overweight is 37.1% and 78.4% respectively, while in women it is 33.6% and 68.6%, respectively[2]. BMI has less diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for identifying obesity than in a younger population[3,4], with a reported sensitivity and specificity of 50% and 90% respectively. This might result in 50% of patients undiagnosed with obesity[5]. This review discusses some of the evidence available and outcomes for obesity in older adults
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