Is It Normal to Lose Weight as You Age?

Unexplained weight loss in older adults is a common concern for many families. About 25% of older adult patients experience unexplained weight loss of some kind. It may indicate an underlying health issue and should not be ignored. Other signs to look out for include loss of appetite, forgetfulness, and decreased strength and mobility. Here, you will learn about weight loss in older adults, its causes, potential health risks, and tips for maintaining a healthy weight.

Weight Loss as You Age: What’s Normal?

As you get older, you tend to lose lean body mass, such as muscle and bone density, which is normal. From the age of 30, our lean body mass starts to reduce by slightly over half a pound every year. While this weight loss may not be readily noticeable when you step on the scale, it's usually replaced by fat. Weight loss can differ for men and women. Men typically tend to gain weight until age 55 and gradually lose it in the following years. This may be because men produce less testosterone after this age. On the other hand, women typically stop gaining weight once they reach the age of 65. As you age, it's common to lose a small amount of weight each year, around 0.2 to 0.4 pounds. However, if you experience unintentional weight loss that amounts to 5% or more of your body weight every 6-12 months, it can be dangerous.

What Causes Weight Loss as You Age?

There are various reasons for this, falling under social, psychological, and medical aspects. This includes:

• Cancer

• ‌Stomach or gastrointestinal disease

• ‌Diabetes 

• ‌Cardiac problems

• ‌Alcoholism

• Depression

• ‌Dementia

• ‌Kidney disease or renal failure

• Side effects of medication 

• ‌Financial distress

• ‌Malnutrition

• ‌Loneliness leads to sleep loss and lack of appetite

• ‌Dental issues

If none of these apply to you, you aren't alone. The cause of unintentional weight loss remains unknown for up to 28% of patients.

Health Concerns About Weight Loss

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for good health and independence in older adults. Unintentional weight loss in old age poses a significant risk factor for multiple reasons. It can lead to various health problems, such as:

• Reduced quality of life

• ‌Increased risk of death and disease

• ‌Decline in physical activities that usually promote health

• ‌Risk of bone fractures

• ‌Greater risk of hospital admission

How to Maintain a Healthy Weight as You Age

A healthy and nutritious diet should help in maintaining a healthy weight. If you have diet restrictions, work with a dietician to create a healthy meal plan. Exercising is extremely important to maintain a healthy weight. Proper sleep is also very important. Get involved in community activities to avoid loneliness and depression. Get regular health check-ups.