A new study from the University of Warwick and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust states, Obese patients up & above the age of 60 can lose an equivalent amount of weight as younger people using lifestyle changes.
The Recent Study:
The researchers randomly selected 242 patients who attended the WISDEM-based obesity service between 2005 and 2016, and compared two groups (those aged under 60 years and those aged between 60 and 78 years) for the weight loss that they achieved during their time within the service. The patients referred to the obesity service were morbidly obese with BMIs typically over 40Kgm-2.
The results indicated that the two groups were equivalent statistically. With those aged 60 years and over on average reducing their body weight by 7.3% compared with a body weight reduction of 6.9% in those aged under 60 years. Both groups spent a similar amount of time within the obesity service, that is average 33.6 months for those 60 years and over, and 41.5 months for those younger than 60 years.
The hospital-based programme used only, lifestyle-based changes tailored to each individual patient, focusing on
- Dietary changes
- Psychological support
- Encouraging physical activity.
Smart Tip
Try this simple technique to help you stay on track. Purchase a pedometer and wear it for one day. If you’re not taking 10,000 steps or at least close to it, you’re not getting enough exercise. By wearing that pedometer, you’ll be able to see just how close you are to that goal and you’ll be able to stave off the battle of the bulge. Also, too much or too little estrogen can lead to weight gain that is hard to control.
Middle aged weight gain does not have to be inevitable and you don’t need to sit around hoping for the best. By meeting the problem head on and addressing it properly, you’ll be able to stay slim, toned and healthy throughout your middle ages and well into your golden years.
Age should not be used as an excuse in lifestyle management of obesity.