We all want to stay healthy and fit as we age, but when does losing weight become worrisome for older adults? Rapid, unintended weight loss in an elderly loved one could be the sign of a serious health problem. Learn more about the causes of sudden weight loss in seniors and steps you can take to keep your family member healthy.
Sudden senior weight loss is quick, unintentional, and unexplained weight loss in older adults.
Other common causes of unexpected weight loss
Our advisors help , families each year find the right senior care for their loved ones. Though some weight loss can be a normal part of aging — partially due to shrinking muscle mass — losing a substantial amount of weight over a short period of time can be a sign of an underlying condition.
Some of the health consequences of sudden senior weight loss are:. Some of the conditions commonly associated with sudden weight loss in the elderly include:. Yes, but only in small amounts over time. How much weight loss is considered dangerous? An exam can help you discover and rule out potential causes.
If cancer is the culprit, early treatment can be life-saving. Fabius recommends his patients weigh themselves twice weekly, often with assistance from caregivers or family members. Here are some critical questions doctors may ask:. Keeping a detailed record of all prescription and over-the-counter medications could also be useful to doctors and is a safe practice in general. Keep in mind that senior care facilities often keep track of these factors as part of their regular services.
8 Reasons You're Losing Weight for Seemingly No Reason, According to Doctors
Most nursing homes measure weight and vitals regularly. Staff at assisted living communities tend to develop close relationships with residents, so drastic changes in weight or eating habits are unlikely to go unnoticed. When it comes to weight loss in the elderly, watch for a few key warning signs:. Most assisted living communities offer services like meal plans, medication management, health monitoring, and social opportunities to help keep senior residents active and safe.
If this is you, make sure to talk to your doctor about how you should treat this symptom.
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For those who are diagnosed with cancer, a palliative care consultation should be considered. Palliative care teams do an excellent job of addressing concerns not directly related to cancer for example, chemotherapy or radiation therapy such as unintentional weight loss. Treatment of weight loss can, in turn, help people tolerate treatments for whatever the condition is that has caused weight loss. Gas pain? Stool issues?
Unintentional weight loss | nidirect
Sign up for the best tips to take care of your stomach. Gaddy, H. Unintentional Weight Loss in Older Adults. American Family Physician. Cleveland Clinic, "Unexplained Weight Loss". Wu, J. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. Chen, S. Weight loss as a predictor of cancer in primary care: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
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Weight loss - unintentional
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