Obesity in Older Adults: Prevalence, Effects, and Management

Obesity is a growing issue among the global population, including older adults. While various health issues are associated with obesity, people can help manage it with lifestyle changes and treating underlying conditions.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), overweight and obesity refer to conditions where excess fat builds up in the body, which may present a health risk.

Healthcare professionals generally use body mass index (BMI) to diagnose obesity. They consider adults ages 20 years and older with a BMI of 30 or more to have obesity, and those with a BMI of 40 or more to have severe obesity.

The population of older adults (ages 65 years and over) in the United States is expected to increase from 40.2 million to 88.5 million by 2050. As this population grows, the prevalence of obesity also increases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that 38.9% of adults 60 years of age and older had obesity as of 2023, while 6.6% had severe obesity.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) also notes that around 3 in 4 adults ages 20 years and older in the United States have either overweight or obesity.

Obesity can affect older adults in multiple ways, both physically and mentally.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a growing number of adults are entering older adulthood with excess body weight.

There are various risk factors for obesity. While some are individual, such as knowledge, skills, and behaviors, not all risk factors are changeable. However, knowing individual risk factors can help people maintain a moderate weight and lower their risk of obesity-related health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes.

There are various reasons why people may gain weight as they age. One reason may be a change in metabolism, which is how the body gets energy from food.

Some people may also become less active as they age due to medical conditions or mobility issues. A more sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain.

Older adults may be at a higher risk of developing chronic (long-term) conditions. Research shows that around 6 in 10 adults in the United States have a chronic condition, and 4 in 10 have at least two. Chronic conditions and the medications that help manage them can make physical activity more challenging and may also alter how individuals are able to eat.

All of these factors can lead to overweight or obesity.

Medicare may help cover obesity counseling, such as intensive behavioral therapy (IBT). It can also cover obesity screenings for people who are at risk of or have obesity.

Medicare may also cover obesity treatment, such as bariatric surgery, for people with a BMI of 35 or higher. While Medicare does not cover weight loss drugs for losing weight, it may cover them for individuals with obesity to help prevent stroke and heart disease or to help treat conditions such as diabetes.

Medicare also offers nutritional counseling coverage for people with diabetes or kidney disease.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may also offer fitness programs and gym memberships as additional benefits.

Individuals can consult a healthcare professional about managing obesity and treating any underlying medical conditions that may be related.

The following table gives the recommended calorie intake for adults ages 61 to 76 years and above.

As the population ages, the rate of obesity also increases. People with obesity are at a higher risk of medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Changing metabolism and lower rates of physical activity may contribute to weight gain in older adults. However, by eating a balanced, nutritious diet, staying within recommended calorie intake, and getting regular physical activity, people may lose weight or maintain a moderate weight.