Why older people eat less

Question
Other than being due to illness, it seems like the elderly eat less than they did when they were younger, or at least don't consume as much at one sitting as they used to. What is the reason for this?

Answer
Dear Lee,

The most common reason is the metabolic slowdown due to physical inactivity and loss of muscle mass.

Physically active, not overeating, adequately nourished seniors can stay in excellent shape and if they do, their appetite stays closes to normal. Exercise can keep muscle mass high enough to maintain metabolic levels, both at rest and during physical efforts so it's possible to eat more and not gain weight while getting more essential nutrients, which insure healthy metabolism thus creating a good positive feedback.

There's an excellent program aiming people over 40,  you might want to read about it here:
http://atkinszone.com/2008/02/fit-over-40.html

Tanya Zilberter


Sources:

 1. Weight change in old age and its association with mortality. J Am Geriatr Soc 2001;49:1309
 2. Involuntary weight loss in older outpatients: incidence and clinical significance. J Am Geriatr Soc 1995;43:329
 3. The association between weight loss and increased longevity. A review of the evidence. Ann Intern Med 1993;119:731   
4. Prospective study of intentionality of weight loss and mortality in older women: the Iowa Women's Health Study. Am J Epidemiol 1999;149:504
 5. Some adventures in body composition, with special reference to nutrition. Acta Diabetol 2003;40:S238
 6. Longitudinal changes in body composition in older men and women: role of body weight change and physical activity. Am J Clin Nutr 2002;76:473
 7. Weight stability masks sarcopenia in elderly men and women. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2000;279:E366

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