Barriers to intentional weight loss in the elderly

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine some of the factors that may have acted as barriers to weight loss among older adult participants in a behaviorally oriented diet and exercise intervention. Subjects were 112 residents of a free living middle class adult community, 80% were female, with an average age of 73.5, and an average starting BMI of 30.44 (179 lbs). After two years, change in BMI was {dollar}-{dollar}1.18 (7 lbs) which was smaller than losses reported in the literature. Results did not show a significant difference in weight loss by gender ({dollar}-{dollar}8.8 lbs for men, {dollar}-{dollar}6.5 lbs for women, p = {dollar}<{dollar}.65) or age (R = {dollar}-{dollar}.05, p {dollar}<{dollar}.64). Subjects perceived themselves as becoming increasingly overweight with age, however, neither perceived history of obesity (p {dollar}<{dollar}.37) nor frequency of diet restriction (p {dollar}<{dollar}.89) were related to failure to lose weight. Health, as measured by diagnosed medical conditions, conditions treated with medication, and symptomatology was also not associated with failure to lose weight. However leisure time physical activity was associated with weight loss. Subjects in the successful weight loss group participated in more intense exercise, more often, for longer periods than subjects in the unsuccessful weight loss group (p {dollar}<{dollar}.05, p {dollar}<{dollar}.04, p {dollar}<{dollar}.006 respectively). Although average weight loss was small, subjects achieved the health benefits associated with weight reduction. Results of this study seem to indicate that, as in younger populations, inactivity is a barrier to weight loss in the elderly. Furthermore, health benefits may be achieved with smaller weight losses associated with lifestyle changes. Future research is needed to determine how the elderly differ from younger populations in their barriers to weight loss.