Weight loss could be life-threatening for seniors, study shows

As much as people celebrate their own weight loss, it’s not always healthy.

A new study shows that weight loss in the elderly is associated with early death and life-limiting conditions. Weight gain, on the other hand, was not associated with mortality, according to the study published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

Doctors are always concerned when older adults with health conditions lose weight, but researchers have not fully understood the impact of weight change on healthy older adults, according to study lead author Monira Hussain, clinical epidemiologist and senior health researcher. public health and preventive medicine at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

The study looked at nearly 17,000 people aged at least 70 in Australia and more than 2,000 individuals in the United States aged at least 65. Everyone who participated in the study was weighed at their annual checkup between 2010 and 2014, according to the study.

“Our study found that even a 5% weight loss increases the risk of mortality, particularly in older men,” said Monira.

Weight gain in healthy older adults, on the other hand, showed no association, she added.

The association was found in starting weights, meaning people clinically classified as obese are also at greater risk when losing weight, said Perri Halperin, director of clinical nutrition at Mount Sinai Health System, who was not involved in the study.

Other health issues

The study was able to explain the health problems at the beginning. It excluded people with cardiovascular disease, dementia, physical disabilities or chronic illnesses, Monira said.

“It also excluded those with recent hospitalizations, which is important because hospitalization is often followed by weight loss due to acute conditions,” Perri said in an email.

But the study was unable to distinguish whether the people involved intentionally or unintentionally lost weight, added Monira.

“No questions were asked about changes in activity level and diet quality between the initial study visit and subsequent visits, so we don’t have any information about how these factors might have impacted the results,” Perri said.

Why losing weight can be a risk

Weight loss can be a risk factor for mortality because it can signal underlying problems.

Weight loss can be a warning sign for diseases like cancer and dementia, and is “often linked to reduced appetite influenced by inflammation and hormones,” Monira said.

Underlying chronic health conditions can also trigger weight loss in older adults by affecting appetite, metabolism and eating habits, Perri said. Mobility issues and medication side effects can also affect weight.

Changes in weight can also signal lifestyle concerns, Perri said.

“An important factor that contributes to weight loss in the elderly is social isolation. Other concerns include financial constraints and pain and discomfort,” she added.

In studies like these, it’s important to remember that correlation is not causation, Perri said. Weight loss was associated with mortality, which means it’s correlated — but that doesn’t mean that weight loss caused a person’s death.

“It’s also important to say that the opposite cannot be extrapolated or recommended – that is, gaining weight would not necessarily decrease mortality risk,” she said in an email. “As always, discuss your weight changes with your doctor or other medical professional.”

The goal is for seniors to monitor their weight change, Perri said.

“If they notice a decrease in the number on the scale (weight loss) or perhaps in pants that were previously looser (decreased waist circumference),” she added, “bring this to the doctor for possible screening or testing.”

But the advice also applies to the medical community, she said. Physicians and healthcare professionals need to know that changes in weight require further investigation.