IT’S OK to be a bit “fatter” when you are older, according to dietician Ngaire Hobbins, author of Eat to Cheat Ageing.
Ngaire, who specialises in the care of older Australians, said weight loss for people aged 60 years or older can do more harm than good.
Ngaire’s comments come in the middle of National Healthy Weight Week where the Dietitians Association of Australia promotes ways for everyone to achieve a bodyweight that will boost their health and vitality.
According to dieticians, a healthy body mass index (BMI) for older people is higher than the recommended BMI for younger adults.
“A BMI between 23 and 28 is probably ideal for older adults,” she said.
“That is higher/heavier than what is ideal for younger adults, where a BMI of 19-25 is advised.”
Ngaire has spent years researching the unique nutritional needs of older people to write Eat To Cheat Ageing and she said that while being active remained essential to a productive and vital older life it’s those who were a bit heavier who fared best.
“Being thin in older age (BMI below 22) is associated with a higher likelihood of dementia, of having a fall, of general poor health and even death,” she said.
“Of course there are many people who are lean and active and that is ideal. As always, being active is the key and being very overweight or obese is a problem – but on average, it’s those people in their late sixties or beyond with a bit of extra padding who fare best as they move into later life.”
Ngaire said it was important to realise weight loss that didn’t also include a great exercise plan could do more harm than good.
“Weight lost unintentionally, or through dieting alone will cause loss of essential muscle,” she said.
“This muscle doesn’t just move you around, it supports immune function, wound repair, organ maintenance and brain function – so losing it can affect much more than your ability to get around.
“I see it all too often – people over 70 who have taken on the latest diet trend and lost weight only to find themselves increasingly succumbing to more illness and not being able to do all they wish they could.
“I want older people to remember that most popular health and diet advice is for people in their thirties, forties or fifties, and that advice just does not apply to those closer to 70, 80 or 90.”
The answer of course is staying active and eating well, but don’t try to aspire to a BMI that is no longer for you.
