The elderly as a target for obesity treatment

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in the elderly population. The primary goal of obesity therapy in elderly is the improvement of metabolic complications and the prevention of severe functional limitations. Clinical studies could demonstrate that the combination of nutritional intervention and physical exercise is of advantage to improve the functional status. Study evidence about the efficacy and safety of medication for weight reduction in elderly is limited, and the risks of bariatric surgery outweigh the possible benefits. The test battery of the comprehensive geriatric assessment is an important tool to determine body composition, nutritional status as well as functional and cognitive capacities of the elderly patient. These results are of central importance for the treatment plan and goals.

Keywords:

• elderly
• obesity
• weight reduction therapy

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Key issues

• Obesity and obesity-associated morbidities and impairments are an increasing problem in the elderly population.

• BMI values reveal a U-shaped relationship with mortality with an increase in the obesity range.

• The primary goal of obesity therapy in elderly is an improvement of the cardiometabolic risk and especially the prevention of functional limitations.

• The combination of nutritional intervention and physical exercise is of advantage to improve the functional status and to limit muscle and bone loss.

• Study evidence about the efficacy and safety of medication for weight reduction in elderly is limited.

• The risks of bariatric surgery outweigh the possible advantages for elderly obese patients.