Obesity in older adults: comprehensive approach and management

• Autores: Parodi, José F., Valdiva Alcalde, Claudia, falvy, ian
• Formato: artículo
• Fecha de Publicación: 2025
• Institución: Universidad de San Martín de Porres
• Repositorio: Horizonte médico
• Lenguaje: español
• OAI Identifier: oai:horizontemedico.usmp.edu.pe:article/3330
• Enlace del recurso: https://www.horizontemedico.usmp.edu.pe/index.php/horizontemed/article/view/3330
• Nivel de acceso: acceso abierto
• Materia: Obesidad; Persona Mayor; Sarcopenia; Terapia Farmacológica; Estado Funcional; Obesity; Elderly; Drug Therapy; Functional Status

Obesity is a global pandemic with serious consequences for public health, directly associatedwith vascular diseases, diabetes, dementia, osteoarthritis, increased mortality and functionaldisability. In older adults, the diagnosis and management of obesity require specific considerations that differ from approaches applied to younger populations. The relationship between agingand obesity is particularly complex and multifactorial, sharing common pathways associated with chronic disease and systemic inflammatory processes. Interventions should focus on the individual, carefully evaluating the impact on both functional and intrinsic capacities, while also considering the expected time to achieve therapeutic benefits. Beyond changes in body mass index and weight, therapeutic strategies should primarily aim to reduce fat mass while simultaneously improving muscle mass and functionality. This approach is more beneficial than simple weight loss, particularly given the risk of sarcopenia associated with aging. The safest and most effective interventions are non-pharmacological and include dietary changes, adapted physical activity, and lifestyle modifications. Advanced age should not be considered a contraindication for prescribing appropriate interventions, including pharmacotherapy or surgical procedures in selected cases. The approach requires an individualized and multidimensional assessment that considersfunctional, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects influencing both the development of obesityand treatment adherence and response.