Weight loss is common in seniors and often caused by loss of water, muscle, and fat. However, sudden weight loss in the elderly may be caused by serious conditions like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, gastrointestinal issues, hyperthyroidism, or depression. Changes in medications, mobility, or diet can also cause weight loss. To help your loved one avoid negative effects like falls, infection, and fatigue, look out for loss of appetite to change course early. You can also help them maintain a healthy weight by encouraging good habits like regular exercise and dietary changes.
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Yes, but only in small amounts over time. It’s normal for your body’s levels of water, muscle, and fat — which all determine your total body weight — to decline as you age.[01]
Generally, a person’s weight is the highest around age 60, with decreases of less than half a pound every year after age 70.[01] This means gradual weight loss is expected, but you shouldn’t disregard a significant, noticeable drop in weight as part of the natural aging process.
Sudden weight loss in old age is quick, unintentional, and unexplained in older adults. About 15% to 20% of seniors experience sudden weight loss.[02] Though some weight loss can be a normal part of aging, losing a substantial amount of weight over a short period of time can be a sign of an underlying condition.
Weight loss in older adults is considered a problem when there’s a loss of 5% body weight in one month or 10% over a six-month period.[02] For example, if a senior’s normal weight is 150 pounds, 5% of their body weight would be 7.5 pounds while 10% would be 15 pounds. So, if they unintentionally lost 7.5 pounds within a month or 15 pounds within six months, it might be concerning.
“As little as 10 pounds over a month would concern me,” said Dr. Barry Fabius, medical director of geriatrics at Holy Redeemer Health System in Philadelphia. “I’m also concerned about weight loss that is slow and progressive.”
Although sometimes the cause of weight loss in elderly adults goes undiscovered, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If your family member is experiencing significant weight loss, don’t ignore it.
Some of the conditions commonly associated with rapid weight loss in the elderly include:[01]
Many behavioral and social factors may also affect an older person’s eating habits and nutrition level:[03]
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Significant, unexplained weight loss in seniors may have negative effects, including an increased risk for diseases and a shorter lifespan.[02]
Some health consequences of sudden senior weight loss can be serious and may include:[01]
When it comes to sudden weight loss in elderly seniors, watch for a few key warning signs:
Early detection and action are key to improving your loved one’s health.
“At the first sign of unhealthy weight loss, get them to see a physician as soon as possible,” Dr. Fabius says.
An exam can help you discover and rule out potential causes. In situations like cancer, early treatment can be life-saving.
No matter the apparent cause of the weight loss, simply staying aware of your loved one’s eating habits and weight will help you notice any worrisome changes as they happen.
In addition to performing a physical examination of the patient, doctors may ask the caregiver for a detailed history of the patient’s eating habits and weight.
Dr. Fabius recommends his patients weigh themselves twice weekly, with assistance from caregivers or family members if necessary. He also suggests keeping a food diary, which will help paint an accurate picture of a person’s caloric intake and the timing of the weight loss.
“It’s important to see, in that history taking, how many calories they’re actually burning,” advises Dr. Fabius. “If a patient is meeting or exceeding their caloric needs, that’s going to make me suspect hyperthyroidism or a malabsorption syndrome.”
Here are some critical questions doctors may ask:
It’s helpful for doctors to understand psychological and social factors in the patient’s life, such as dementia, depression, social isolation, and income status. 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.
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Some weight loss is normal, but if you want to help your loved one avoid significant weight loss, you can encourage some good habits.
To prevent unintended weight loss and help your loved one maintain a healthy weight, try some of the following health tips:[04]
Senior care facilities often keep track of factors contributing to your loved one’s sudden weight loss as part of their regular services. Many communities, especially nursing homes, measure weight and vitals regularly. Many communities will also work with residents, their doctors, and their families to develop special diet plans to help the seniors manage their weight and improve their overall well-being.
Several senior living communities employ a dietician or nutritionist to help create residents’ dietary plans based on their unique restrictions and needs. Here’s a look at how many communities within A Place for Mom’s network provide a dietician or nutritionist by level of care:
Senior living communities offer different services depending on each resident’s needs. Most communities offer meal plans, special dining options, and social opportunities. However, only assisted living and memory care offer medication management and health monitoring to help keep senior residents active and safe. Additionally, memory care offers specialized services to manage dementia behaviors and enhance quality of life.
In many communities, if weight loss is a concern when the resident moves in, staff will likely check their weight weekly or more. Staff tend to develop close relationships with residents, so it is unlikely for drastic changes in weight or eating habits to go unnoticed.
If you’re considering senior living, you can reach out to A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors. They’re highly knowledgeable in local communities and can help you find a good fit based on your budget, needs, and preferences — all at no cost to you.
Key Takeaways
Gaddey, H. L. & Holder, K. (2014, May 1). Unintentional weight loss in older adults. American Family Physician.
McMinn, J., Steel, C., & Bowman, A. (2011, March 29). Investigation and management of unintentional weight loss in older adults. British Medical Journal.
Stajkovic, S., Aitken, E. M., Holroyd-Leduc, J. (2011, March 8). Unintentional weight loss in older adults. Canadian Medical Association Journal.
National Institute on Aging. National Institutes of Health. (2022, April 7). Maintaining a healthy weight.
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