Exercise and Diet May Improve Outcomes in Older Obese Individuals

Dietary and exercise interventions may help to improve physical function and quality of life in obese older adults, according to a recent review and meta-analysis.

In order to identify geriatric obesity interventions that can guide clinical recommendations, researchers conducted a systematic review of studies published since 2005 involving individuals aged 60 years and older who were obese (body mass index ≥30 kg/m²).

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Primary outcomes were weight loss, physical performance, and quality of life.

Overall, 19 studies were included in the analysis. Weight loss in the intervention groups ranged from 0.5 to 10.7 kg, with greater weight loss observed in groups assigned to exercise programs accompanied by a dietary component. Exercise alone was associated with better physical function but not with significant weight loss. A combination of diet and exercise was associated with the greatest improvement in performance measures and quality of life.

Despite these results, the authors noted that “[t]he evidence supporting geriatric obesity interventions to improve physical function and quality of life is of low to moderate quality. Well-designed trials are needed in this population.”

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Batsis JA, Gill LE, Masutani RK, et al. Weight loss interventions in older adults with obesity: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials since 2005 [published online September 19, 2016]. J Am Geriatr Soc. doi:10.1111/jgs.14514.