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The aging and imc - nutrition
Body Mass Index [BMI] is a commonly used tool to assess whether a person has an adequate weight in relation to his or her height. However, this method has received criticism from several experts, as it does not take into account essential factors such as body composition, age, gender and muscle mass. Therefore, the results it provides may not be accurate in determining whether a person's weight is correct.
Despite these limitations, BMI is still useful as a reference to get a general idea of how healthy our weight is. Although its results may not be accurate, they allow us to keep a basic control to keep us within a weight range considered acceptable.
In the elderly, it is essential to take care to maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight represents one of the main risk factors for a variety of diseases that affect our quality of life. In this guide, we will explore the essential aspects related to BMI and its impact in old age, highlighting the importance of preserving an adequate weight at this stage of life.
Older adults are more prone to face various diseases associated with age and weight. Therefore, taking care of our physical condition is crucial to combat cardiovascular diseases, which put both our cardiac and circulatory health at risk. Excess weight can affect our motor skills, since a greater weight implies a more significant impact on the bone structure that must support that load.
It is essential for older adults to maintain a BMI within a healthy range to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. A healthy BMI for this population is considered to be between 18.5 and 24.9. A BMI below 18.5 is classified as underweight, while a BMI above 24.9 indicates overweight.
To achieve and maintain an adequate weight, it is essential to follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. The diet should include essential nutrients such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. In addition, regular exercise helps to maintain muscle and bone mass, thus helping to maintain a healthy BMI.
As we age, our bodies undergo changes that should be taken into account when assessing BMI. These changes include decreased muscle mass, decreased bone mass and increased body fat, all of which influence the BMI result.
Another important aspect to consider when calculating BMI in older adults is the medication they are taking. Many medications for hypertension, for example, can cause weight gain. Therefore, it is advisable for older adults to talk to their doctor about how to manage their weight and maintain a healthy BMI if they are on medication.
With aging, metabolism tends to slow down, making weight loss more challenging than in youth. Therefore, it is essential to be disciplined and maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure that our weight is appropriate. It is recommended to eat balanced meals, avoiding saturated fats and refined carbohydrates. In addition, combining a healthy eating plan with regular physical activity, and staying away from sedentary lifestyles and harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, will facilitate weight control.
