Nutritional Guidelines, Energy Balance, and Weight Control: Issues for the Aging Active Female

Abstract

During aging total energy expenditure (TEE) decreases by 6 % per decade in women, parallel to the reduction in physical activity. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) decreases 1–2 % per decade and increases from 50 years (3 % per decade). There is a change in body composition not associated with the reduction in RMR or loss of fat-free mass (FFM). This change in body composition produces an increase in fat mass, and it is higher in women than in men. The change in body composition does not always imply a change in body weight (or body mass index). As the caloric intake requirements decrease with aging, the right quality of food and adequate portions become more important. Energy imbalances complicate health and quality of life in both malnutrition and overweight. The 7th edition of the Dietary Guidelines for the USA published in 2010 and incorporating MyPlate in 2011 are available resources to advise people and help improve nutrition, serving as a guide for adults and older active women also. Adequate calorie intakes should be matched to physical activity level in each, providing the required amount of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, and possible food supplements for active women to achieve proper weight control, energy balance, and heath.