There is a relationship between obesity and many diseases that haunt the elderly. Serious diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes are related to obesity, making up four out of the 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. Along with these risks come the psychological effects of depression, sadness and isolation from peers. These are great reasons to determine if you need to lose weight.
Rather than simply looking at the bathroom scale, body mass index (BMI) is a better way to determine if you have a severe weight problem. According to the U.S. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), a BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese. Your BMI is a calculation based primarily on your height and weight. (Free calculators are available on the Internet.)
Can you afford not to lose?
Elderly people who are obese have many more reasons to visit the doctor and to take more medications to treat illness. Some studies suggest that the annual health-related expenses of the overweight can be 50 percent more than those of people of normal weight.
What to do
If you already suffer from a chronic disease, losing weight may help you to control it. If you are generally healthy at this time, staying trim might help reduce your risk of developing a chronic disease. If you are over 65, you should check with your medical provider before you embark on a plan to lose weight. Some diets do not contain the proper amounts of proteins, vitamins and minerals needed to prevent common complications of aging, such as bone loss, weakness and falls.
Fitness matters, too
Even if your physician says that losing weight is not a good idea for you, overall fitness increases lifespan. Here are some changes you can make that can help you trim down if you need to, and help you a more satisfying life:
• Make an effort to exercise at least 20 minutes a day. (Keep a diary.)
• Avoid boredom by trying different activities that are fun.
• Exercise with a friend who can encourage you to keep it up.
• Gradually increase your activities as you become less sedentary.
Have some fun
Staying healthy can be fun. Walking, cycling, gardening and participating in group activities can get you on the road to better health. As we are all predicted to live longer, we can have a better time doing so as we take ourselves into later life.
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