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

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines overweight and obesity as unusual or excess fat accumulation that may present a health risk.

Healthcare professionals generally use 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.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 38.9% of adults 60 years of age and older were obese as of 2023. The prevalence of severe obesity among the same age group was 6.6%.

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

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There are various ways obesity can affect you, both physically and mentally.

Physical effects

Having obesity can increase your risk of various medical conditions, including:

Mental health effects

Obesity can affect your mental health as well as your physical health. It can increase your risk of developing:

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans notes that a growing number of adults are entering the older adult phase with excess body weight.

There are various risk factors for obesity. Some of them are individual, such as knowledge, skills, and behaviors. Not all risk factors are changeable. However, knowing what your risk factors are can help you maintain a moderate weight and lower your risk of obesity-related health issues, like heart disease and diabetes.

Risk factors for obesity include:

  • lack of physical activity
  • improper eating behaviors, such as:
    • eating more than the recommended calories
    • eating a diet high in saturated fat
    • eating foods that are high in added sugars
  • not getting enough sleep
  • genetics
  • experiencing high levels of stress
  • medical conditions, such as metabolic syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • medications, such as:
    • antidepressants
    • beta-blockers
    • insulin

There are various reasons why people may gain weight as they age. One of the reasons may be due to a change in metabolism as you age. Your metabolism is how your body gets energy from the foods you eat.

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 more than one. Chronic conditions and the medications that help manage them can make physical activity more difficult and may also change the way you are able to eat.

All of these factors can lead to overweight or obesity.

Did you know?

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 obesity or who have obesity.

Medicare may also cover obesity treatment, like bariatric surgery, for people with a BMI of 35 or higher. While Medicare doesn’t cover weight loss drugs for losing weight, it may cover them for people living with obesity to help prevent stroke and heart disease.

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.

You can speak to a healthcare professional about managing obesity and treating any underlying medical conditions that may be related.

There are also ways you can manage obesity at home:

  • Eat a nutritious and balanced diet.
  • Try to get regular physical activity. The CDC recommends that older adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week and at least 2 days of muscle-strengthening activities.
  • Try to limit your portion sizes and swap out some of your usual foods for healthy alternatives.
  • Keep to your recommended calorie intake, remembering that older adults typically need fewer calories than younger adults.

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

Age
(years)		SendentaryModerately activeActive
61 to 65• Males: 2,000
• Females: 1,600		• Males: 2,400
• Females: 1,800		• Males: 2,600
• Females: 2,000
66 to 70• Males: 2,000
• Females: 1,600		• Males: 2,200
• Females: 1,800		• Males: 2,600
• Females: 2,000
71 to 75• Males: 2,000
• Females: 1,600		• Males: 2,200
• Females: 1,800		• Males: 2,600
• Females: 2,000
76 and up• Males: 2,000
• Females: 1,600		• Males: 2,200
• Females: 1,800		• Males: 2,400
• Females: 2,000

As the population ages, the rate of obesity also increases. People with obesity are at a higher risk of medical conditions like 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 your recommended calories, and getting regular physical activity, you may lose weight or maintain a moderate weight.