Obesity

among the
elderly
Virginia Willard - KNH 420G
The Lodge
Nursing &
Rehab This summer I worked as a
Dietary Aide at The Lodge. I
Center got the chance to work with an
older population, many of
whom struggle with obesity
and its impact on their overall
health. My job was to support
each residents' nutritional
needs depending on their
capabilities.
 Obesity- What is it?

Obesity is a chronic disease of excess body fat. it is

measured using a standardized body mass index (BMI) using
height and weight. Having a BMI >30kg/m^2 is considered
obese. Based on one analysis from 2011, over 1/3 of skilled
nursing home residents are obese which is shockingly high.
Risks of Increased
chances of Decline in Increased
obesity conditions
such as:
mobility and
self-reliance
costs of care,
and stress on
Respiratory staff as well
illness
Diabetes as family
Kidney failure
Infections (yeast, In the US,
bacterial, viral)
obesity is a
etc.
risk factor
for 4/10 of the Overall
leading reduced
Increased causes of quality and
inflammation death length of life
 Obesity & Malnutrition

Many people do not realize that someone can be obese

while still being considered malnourished. Eating an
excessive number of calories does not ensure that a person
is getting all of the essential micronutrients into their body;
this can be due to poor diet choices or an issue with the
absorption and distribution of nutrients within the body.
 Signs of a Sagging skin
Muscle wasting

malnurished Edema
Weakness

obese Declining ability to walk &

eat

individual Declining hand strength

Involuntary weight loss
 Diet changes Using fruit Water or 1%
It's important to focus
Physical on feeding the residents
nutrient dense foods. A
as a desert
replacment
milk is used
during meals

acvtivity low calorie nutrient

dense diet will prevent
malnutrition as the
Excessive
resident loses weight. Fried foods & juice &
Less than 150 150+ minutes
gravies are sugary
minutes per per week =
limited drinks are
week - minimal modest
restricted
weight loss weight loss

As we age there is a decrease in physical activity

and metabolism. Encouraging a resident to
increase their physical activity will help to Goal Setting
improve their physical function and self-
reliance. Setting realistic
Loosing up to and healthy
Up to 2lbs per 10% of the goals help
week residents ensure that the
baseline weight loss is
bodyweight more
permanent.
 Be Cautious!!
While weight loss among older adults can be
beneficial, it can also be dangerous!

Reduces inflammation Being slightly overweight may help

Improves cardiovascular health
Improved physical function & overall
quality of life
Reduce development of Diabetes
(type 2)
residents recover better from stress
and trauma
Can cushion bones in case of falling
Achieving calorie restriction can be
difficult to achieve due to residents
decreased metabolism
Dementia and hospice patients
should not be participating in weight
loss
Reliable
Resources
For those who work in the field of nutrition and
healthcare, especially in a long-term care facility setting,
I would recommend the Becky Dorner Diet and Nutrition
Care Manual which is filled with wonderful in-depth
information on different health issues and how to treat
them through nutrition.

For residents or family members interested in learning

more about the causes, possible impact, and treatments
to obesity, I recommend taking a look at the Obesity
Action Coalition website which is filled with tons of
resources that both educate and support.
 Blog post
Obesity is often treated as a result of a poor-lifestyle, something to be ashamed of, but that
is not true. Obesity is a serious chronic health condition that needs to be addressed and treated
as such in a judgment-free environment by healthcare professionals who are focused on helping
the individual achieve better physical and mental health. Obesity is associated with many health
complications such as respiratory conditions, kidney failure, coronary artery disease, increased
risk of infections, reduced mobility, and more. Unknown to many, obesity is also known to be
related to depression, self-esteem issues, and decreased self-confidence as people lose their
ability to do things independently. These complications can reduce both the quality and length
of life which is why obesity is such a pressing health condition.
Social Media is crowded with rotating diet trends and fatphobia which can add to the stigma
surrounding obesity. Rather than turning to social media for help, individuals should look into
individual counseling and meet with a professional to build goals and create a plan specific to
their individual needs in order to decrease the risk of other health complications and build
confidence to improve their quality of life. There are many resources available to individuals
struggling with obesity such as the Obesity Action Coalition website for wonderful information
and connections to healthcare professionals. If looking for a relatable yet reliable social media
page focused on obesity, I would recommend the It's Bigger Than Me page which is full of good
stories and information relating to obesity.
Flyer