Weight loss and eating less in old age.
Weight loss in the elderly is NOT normal!
Weight loss in older people is a warning sign that something is very wrong!
Underweight elderly is a serious problem.
Underweight in old age, elderly failure to thrive and the skinny older person needs sorting out with a proper medical diagnosis and treatment.
Those elderly with 5% to 10% weight loss over less than 2 years have a 33% increased risk of dying over that time.
Those with more than 10% weight loss a have a massive 290% risk of dying over that period of time.
Significant weight loss is a fatal syndrome in older people!
Severely underweight elderly life expectancy is significantly shortened.
Reduced appetite and eating less in old age is not normal but a serious medical problem.
As you get older you should NOT try to lose weight unless you have morbid obesity.
Old people and those particularly frail elderly with chronic illness need to eat as much as Rugby League football players just to meet their increased body metabolic demands.
I still see many older women who are obsessed about losing weight, staying thin, and dieting when it is unnecessary and potentially so dangerous to their health.
Weight loss in older people will shorten your life.
Many older women tend to eat very low energy foods such as salads and very small portions only, thus putting themselves at risk of malnutrition and its complications.
Older people need to have some reserve in body weight when they become ill.
Whatever you do, DO NOT LOSE WEIGHT AS YOU GET OLDER!!!!
For more information read Dr Peter Lipski’s book “Your Elderly Parents Failing Health. Is It Ageing Or A Treatable Condition”.