8 Proven Ways to Reverse Unexpected Weight Loss in Seniors

For caregivers and family members tasked with taking care of their elderly loved ones, noticing some of the early signs of weight loss in this age group can be unsettling. Weight loss is more than just loose clothes. It can also signal reduced appetite, food intake, and energy levels, and may indicate a higher risk of health issues.

One’s golden years should be marked by comfort and vitality, not sudden decline. Take note of some of the reasons for weight loss among the elderly. Plus, find out how to reverse weight loss and promote weight gain among the elderly with the help of certain strategies.

What Are the Typical Causes of Unintended Weight Loss in Seniors?

Health experts have connected cases of unintentional weight loss in seniors to many possible factors. These include:¹

• Neoplastic causes such as cancers or tumor growth
• Non-neoplastic causes such as chronic infections, inflammatory diseases, or organ dysfunction
• Age-related changes like reduced sense of smell and taste, reduced chewing efficiency, and slower gastric emptying, all of which may cause early satiety and appetite loss

In some cases, unintended weight loss in seniors is unidentifiable despite a thorough medical evaluation. Moreover, since weight loss doesn’t happen overnight and gradually happens over time, it can be difficult to spot signs until it’s too late.

Unaddressed, unintentional weight loss can result in serious consequences such as:¹

• Decreased quality of life
• Increased severity of already-present diseases or even undiagnosed illnesses
• Higher risk of in-hospital complications
• Higher risk of mortality over 12 months

Weight loss in seniors shouldn’t be taken lightly, even if it seems common in this age group. Consult a doctor when symptoms appear so their causes can be determined and treatment can be started immediately.

Help Seniors Bounce Back From Unintended Weight Loss With These Strategies

On the bright side, caregivers and family members can help elderly patients stop the cycle of sudden weight loss. Here are some strategies that can help increase appetite in the elderly, enable them to eat more food, receive much-needed nutrients, and gain more weight:¹

1. Ease dietary restrictions.
Some seniors don’t find their meals as appetizing when they know they’re on a strict diet. Reducing or eliminating restrictions doesn’t mean giving elderly patients whatever they want. Instead, it means dietary guidelines can be slightly relaxed, unless they are allergic to or prohibited from eating a certain type of food by their doctor.

2. Provide favorites during meals.
If you’re familiar with the elderly patient’s favorite food and/or snacks, try to give some during their meals. Doing so can help elderly patients regain the appetite they might have previously lost. There’s actually data supporting this. An early study suggested that elderly patients who were constantly fed sweets when they were hospitalized ultimately regained their appetite.²

3. Introduce smaller portion sizes.
Smaller, more frequent meals may also reduce cases of early satiety.

4. Accompany senior citizens while eating their meals.
Social interaction during meals has been associated with improved food intake among seniors. You can also assist elderly patients (with their consent, of course) who may have a hard time handling utensils.

5. Maintain good oral health.
Did you know that poor oral hygiene and dry mouth can affect one’s eating patterns? These particular issues are known to alter taste sensations and cause chewing or swallowing problems. If these aren’t addressed, they can increase the risk of appetite loss and weight loss in seniors.

6. Avoid gas-producing food.
These can lead to a bloated and gas-filled stomach that tricks seniors into thinking they are full when in reality they’re not. Known food choices that can produce gas include beans, dairy products, vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage, and carbonated drinks like sodas.³

7. Encourage the elderly to exercise regularly.
Light to moderate physical activity approved by their physician can help maintain muscle mass and stimulate appetite. Just make sure seniors get clearance from their doctors before working out to ensure their bodies can handle the physical activity and lessen their injury risk.

8. Consider a digestive enzyme supplement like Enzymax Forte^®.
For some seniors, a digestive enzyme supplement such as Enzymax Forte^® may support nutrient absorption and digestive comfort when used alongside a proper diet and medical advice. It has digestive enzymes that can be delivered to the stomach and the intestines and help prevent dyspepsia and/or flatulence caused by functional indigestion.⁴

A supplement like this may be helpful because elderly people are known to be at risk for a digestive enzyme deficiency,⁵ meaning they may not have enough substances in the body to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates from food.⁶ Not addressing digestive enzyme deficiencies can lead to reduced appetite and food intake, poor nutrient absorption, weight loss, and even cases of malabsorption and malnutrition.

Let these tips help the seniors in your life maintain their overall health and nutrition so they can enjoy carefree days in the company of their loved ones.

Enzymax Forte^® is available online and in leading drugstores nationwide at a suggested retail price (SRP) of Php48.00 per capsule and Php960.00 per box of 20 capsules.

MAHALAGANG PAALALA: ANG ENZYMAX FORTE^® AY HINDI GAMOT AT HINDI DAPAT GAMITING PANGGAMOT SA ANUMANG URI NG SAKIT.