Unexplained Weight Loss in the Elderly: Causes and Concerns

Everyone wants to stay fit and healthy as they age. Shedding excess pounds and losing weight can help regulate blood pressure, sugar levels, and heart health. According to the American Family Journal, a person reaches their maximum weight at 60 and begins to lose half a pound annually, which is a gradual process. However, unexpected and unintentional weight loss indicates a severe health problem, especially in the elderly.

Unexplained weight loss is when someone loses 5% or more of their weight in about six months without intending to. If you haven't changed your diet or lifestyle, speaking to your primary care doctor is a good idea to determine why it's happening. In this article, we'll discuss common causes and concerns regarding unexplained weight loss in older people and how you can rectify them.

Reasons for Sudden Weight Loss in Seniors

8% of all adults lose weight unintentionally, and 27% of individuals over 65 experience some form of unhealthy weight loss. Rapid weight loss in the elderly makes it difficult to perform their daily tasks effectively and causes issues like constant fatigue, insomnia, mood disorders, etc. In addition, it can also make them dependent on assisted living facilities for quality care. Thus, it needs to be solved as soon as possible. Here are three of the most common causes of unexpected weight loss in seniors.

1.  Chronic Diseases

One way to determine what's making your elderly loved one lose weight unexplainably is to get a physiological examination. Sometimes, chronic health conditions such as diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, heart disease, Alzheimer's, dementia, and thyroid conditions are the culprit. They alter the body's metabolic rate, causing a chemical imbalance or changing the individual's overall appetite. Diabetes causes sugar levels to fluctuate, which results in frequent urination and calorie loss. Heart problems also cause fatigue and reduced appetite, leading to sudden weight loss in some instances.

Additionally, old-age mobility issues also play a significant role in weight loss. This might seem counterintuitive since people gain weight due to less physical activity. With decreased mobility, older people lose muscle mass. Muscle weight falls fast, contributing to rapid weight loss.

2. Medications

Certain medications also contribute to unexplained weight loss in older adults. For instance, medicines like levothyroxine or benzodiazepines that treat diabetes and psychiatric problems like depression cause reduced appetite and negatively affect nutrient absorption.

Medication's side effects, like difficulty in swallowing, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and loss of sense of smell, all decrease appetite, leading to unnatural weight loss. Mixing medicines may also contribute to developing "anorexia of aging" in older adults. While older adults tend to eat less later in life, taking multiple medicines reduces their appetite. We recommend that whenever a new medication is introduced, the weight is monitored and reported to a healthcare professional if there is a significant change.

3. Psychological Issues

Chronic diseases such as Alzheimer's or dementia can cause unexplained weight loss. Patients with such illnesses can forget to have their meals, making it vital for caregivers to track meals and weight for such patients. Older adults suffering from depression or anxiety can also lose weight unexpectedly. Unfortunately, about seven million people above 65 suffer from depression each year. These people feel exhausted, lonely, isolated, and often uncared for.

These negative emotions make them tired and unable to care for themselves, affecting their physical health and weight. If an older person is losing weight, try to spot signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, chronic pain, losing independence, and low mood. Additionally, they should connect with peers to combat isolation and re-engage with life, potentially leading to healthier eating habits and lifestyle improvements.

Why Might an Elderly Individual Experience Weight Loss Despite Having a Good Appetite?

A: It's not uncommon for elderly individuals to experience weight loss even if they maintain a healthy appetite. This phenomenon can be perplexing for caregivers and family members. Several factors could contribute to this unexpected weight loss, including:

1. Metabolic Changes: As people age, their metabolism often slows down, yet in some cases, it might work differently, burning more calories than expected, leading to weight loss.

2. Absorption Issues: With age, the body's ability to absorb nutrients efficiently can decrease, meaning that even with a good appetite and seemingly adequate intake, the body might not be absorbing all the nutrients from the food consumed.

3. Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or gastrointestinal disorders, can cause weight loss despite a healthy appetite. These conditions can increase metabolic demand or cause malabsorption.

4. Medications: Some medications might interfere with nutrient absorption or increase metabolic rates, leading to weight loss. Even if seniors are eating well, the medicines they take for various health conditions might be affecting their body weight.

5. Muscle Atrophy: Elderly individuals often experience muscle mass reduction, which can occur even if they're consuming sufficient calories. The weight loss seen on the scale might not be from fat but rather a decrease in muscle mass.

How to Treat Unexplained Weight Loss in the Elderly

The first step to treating unexplained weight loss in older people is identifying its root cause. Make a habit of keeping track of your elderly loved one's weight. If you notice any sudden changes, make an urgent appointment with their primary care doctor.

Medication can help start their weight journey if the issue is physiological. But they should follow a consistent physical exercise regimen and healthy weight-loss diet plan. For psychological challenges, effective treatment involves rehabilitation and strong support.

Ensure older people aren't feeling isolated and have others around to talk to. You can have them join support groups or take up social activities, such as dance and bingo. Generally, monitoring food intake is an excellent idea to ensure senior citizens get all the nutrition they need. And be sure to consult a doctor if you notice anything out of the ordinary.

Endnote

Never ignore unexplained weight loss for the elderly. It can be a warning sign and requires immediate medical attention. By getting an early diagnosis and treatment, the older patient will have to go through less rigorous treatments and can live an enjoyable life. You must also closely monitor your older loved one’s medication, eating habits, and overall well-being to prevent unexpected weight loss.