Obesity can be dangerous in the elderly. It aggravates diabetes, places extra stress on the bones, raises cholesterol, and increases the chances of death. This being said, overweight is not very common among the elderly for the sheer reason that as the body ages, metabolism slows down. Activity levels fall, and so does the consumption of calories. Also with increasing age, the sense of smell and acuteness of taste buds declines so food becomes less enjoyable. But for those who are overweight, the excess weight poses serious health risks. Let's see how to deal with these.
While weight loss is good for improving health, it has to be pursued with caution. Rapid weight loss is actually the last thing the elderly should be aiming for. If you're looking after a senior citizen, you should be cautious about how to treat their overweight issue. The idea of rapid weight loss is unhealthy for individuals in their early 20s and 30s, it doesn't work wonders for the elderly as well. Here are some safe and healthy ways for the elderly to pursue weight loss;
1. Consult a physician: before starting on any weight loss program, consult your physician. In particular, your fitness level needs to be ascertained. The strength of your cardiac muscle, lungs and bones will determine to what extent you can exercise as well as modify your diet. Follow the physician's instructions religiously.
2. Take high quality protein: increase the proportion of high quality protein is causes safe and healthy weight loss. One of the greatest dangers that elderly people face with weight loss is the risk of losing muscle mass. Eating proteins ensures that you don't lose muscle mass. It also gives you greater energy than fats or carbohydrates.
3. Avoid Simple Carbohydrates: simple carbohydrates are bad for health no matter what part of the life cycle you're in. But as the years pass, and the risk of diseases such as diabetes grow, avoiding simple carbs, like refined flour, refined white sugar, etc, becomes all the more important. Now more than ever, you should avoid these simple carbs. It's best to use artificial sweetener.
4. Fibrous Food: taking fibrous food is a good way to lose weight because it fills the stomach and therefore reducing the urge to overeat. They also help to clean out the bowels and are healthy for the heart. Healthy sources of fiber are oatmeal, whole grain cereal, brown bread, etc.
5. Walk: walking is a great way to lose weight and stay healthy. Take mild walks daily, they will give a nice boost to your metabolism, while also strengthening your heart and lungs. It helps the circulation and, of course, helps to reduce weight.
6. Swimming: swimming is great way to lose excess weight, tone the muscles and all without placing stresses on the joints. Get a trainer to help you, mild exercise movements which will work the muscles nicely without endangering your joints. It's also great for fighting back pain.
7. Yoga: yoga exercises are mild exercises that help to strengthen the muscles as well as help in weight reduction. Join a yoga class and start today. Keep yourself well hydrated during the yoga exercises and ensure proper breathing patterns.
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