A 76-year-old is moderately obese but otherwise healthy. When asking whether weight loss is important at this point in life, the nurse respond based on the rationale that:
a. The "obesity paradox" research shows that weight is not a great mortality risk for this client
b. Ideal weight is a goal that is appropriate for all age groups
c. The client needs to discuss these issues with a registered nutritionist
d. In order to maintain wellness, the client needs to lose weight in a controlled, healthy manner
ANS: A
It remains unclear whether overweight and obesity are predictors of mortality in older adults and concerns have been raised about encouraging apparently overweight older people to lose weight. In what has been termed the "obesity paradox" for people who have survived to age 70, mortality risk is lowest in those with a BMI classified as overweight. Overweight older people are not at greater mortality risk, and there is little evidence that dieting in this age group confers any benefit. Ideal weight and weight loss are issues that do not appear to have the same degree of importance for the older adult as they do for the rest of the population. The nurse is capable of discussing such issues with the client and needs to refer to a nutritionist only when more specific information is needed.
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