Treating Obesity in Older Adults: Different Risks, Different Goals, Different Strategies

Almost 70% of adults 60 years of age and older are overweight according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006. While being overweight is linked to numerous comorbidities and functional impairment, few studies have addressed obesity in elders, and even fewer have addressed sarcopenic obesity. Elder obesity requires different strategies, partly because most approved weight-reduction agents and/or surgical interventions are contraindicated in older adults. Strategies and objectives for weight loss are discussed along with the consultant pharmacist's role.