What Are the Causes of Loss of Weight As One Grows Old?

While many people in the United States are struggling to lose weight, there are some elderly individuals who are having trouble keeping weight on. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, elderly people who lose 4 to 5 percent or more of their body weight within a year, or 10 percent or more over five years are at increased risk of death. There are many causes of weight loss in older adults.

Health Problems

• A person's health can decline as he ages because his body isn't as strong as it was when he was younger. Medications for certain illnesses may decrease a person's appetite, and dental issues may make chewing food difficult. In addition, those who have been hospitalized may have a decreased appetite when they come home.

Limited Income

• Some senior citizens live on a limited income. They may have retired from work without a lot of savings in the bank and only receive a small pension or a Social Security check. With other expenses, such as medications or a mortgage, some people cannot afford many groceries to keep themselves properly nourished. In addition, some elderly people may not have a loved one to eat meals with, causing them to lose interest in eating.

Depression

• Factors such as losing a loved one, loneliness and declining health can cause an older person to become depressed. Depression can cause someone to lose his appetite and become indifferent about eating a balanced meal because they are too busy feeling sad.

Restricted Diet

• Older adults are often not able to consume foods with a lot of salt, sugar, protein and fat. Although a diet that limits unhealthy foods is good for an older person's health, it can be unappealing. An elderly person may not be tempted to eat the right amount of calories because of diet restrictions.