Weight loss and age: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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Weight loss and age

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Question:

Why does it get harder to lose weight with age?

Answer:

One must burn more calories than one takes in to lose weight at any age. This can be done either with caloric restriction or with exercise. Although metabolism slows down somewhat as we age, increasing weight with age is usually due to a drop-off in activity while dietary habits stay the same or get worse.

See also:

Alternative Names

Age and weight loss

References

Minaker KL. Common clinical sequelae of aging. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 23.

Update Date: 8/1/2009

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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