Best Interventions for Obesity in the Elderly
The best interventions for obesity in elderly individuals can be categorized into dietary and physical exercise approaches. Dietary interventions include calorie consumption restriction, use of calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and protein intake. Jiang and Villareal (2019) indicate that intake of low-caloric diets helps obese older adults achieve significant weight loss. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation is usually combined with caloric restriction to minimize the loss of bone mineral density (BMD) associated with the latter. High protein intake when the obese elderly are losing weight, either through caloric restriction lowers the risks of bodily frailty and may improve muscle quality. The recommended daily protein intake for obese older adults is at least 1.2g/kg/d (Jiang & Villareal, 2019). Regular physical exercises involving either progressive resistance training (RT), aerobic endurance training (AT), or a combination of RT and AT can help the obese elderly lose weight and improve physical functionality and mobility. Jiang and Villareal (2019) note concurrent use of CR, RT, and AT is vital for better outcomes than when either intervention is used alone. Thus, an amalgamation of these interventions for obesity in the elderly enhances their effectiveness.
The Best Plan for Avoiding Obesity
The best plan for preventing obesity involves the combination of healthy eating habits and regular physical exercises. The simple eating habits that can minimize the risks of being obese are eating fruits and vegetables daily, reducing sugar consumption, avoiding processed foods, and limiting the intake of artificial sweeteners and saturated fats (Barnhart, 2020). Fruits and vegetables contain low levels of calories, high fiber content, and other essential nutrients that decrease the risks of obesity. The consumption of processed foods, excessive sugars, artificial sweeteners, and saturated fats is associated with high-caloric intake. Therefore, avoiding such diets minimizes caloric intake and prevents obesity. Regular daily exercises, done individually or through guided aerobic endurance and progressive resistance training programs, help burn unnecessary body fats and prevent weight gain. According to Barnhart (2020), adults should have moderate to intensive physical exercises that last for not less than 150 minutes per week. Thus, it is easier for every person to apply this effective plan to avoid obesity.
References
Barnhart, C. (2020). Obesity prevention and management across the lifespan. OALib, 07(10), 1–28. Web.
Jiang, B. C., & Villareal, D. T. (2019). Therapeutic and lifestyle approaches to obesity in older persons. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, 22(1), 30–36. Web.