As the years go by, the number that appears on the scale also increases. It doesn’t always happen, but it often happens to gain weight with age. The reasons that explain it have to do with a progressive decrease in muscle, which is replaced by fat. In addition, another factor has to do with the decrease in energy expenditure at rest and the slowdown of metabolism. But what if the opposite happens? What happens if an elderly person loses weight unintentionally?
When older people lose weight without apparent or voluntary reasons for it, it will be necessary to carry out a medical examination to identify the reason behind this trend. Although it will also be necessary to pay attention to other types of associated symptoms, such as mood or loss of appetite.
Weight loss in older people could mean a medical problem, that is, it is a symptom of certain diseases and disorders that should be ruled out. If it is an unexplained decrease, it is important to carry out a medical investigation to find out the reason and determine if it is a risk to your health or not. This is especially relevant in people over 70 years of age.
This situation may be due to various reasons. Some of them relate to drugs used to treat diseases and conditions such as stroke, neuromuscular diseases, or dementia. Problems chewing and swallowing food could also be an answer to this question.
Losing weight below the appropriate values ​​will bring numerous consequences for the health of an older person. So it is necessary to prevent this to take care of your health and experience a good quality of life.
