[Medical Q&A] Is the saying “A slim body in old age cannot be bought with money” true?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Wang Changyuan, Chief Physician, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University

As the saying goes, “Nothing can buy you slimness in old age”, but in reality, the thinner the elderly are, the better!

Obesity does lead to many health risks, but the saying that "the thinner the elderly, the better" is also unscientific. For the elderly, a healthy weight is more important than simply being thin.

As they age, the elderly will experience physiological function degeneration, redistribution of body fat, and loss of muscle volume. However, under normal circumstances, being too thin or having too little muscle volume may represent an unhealthy state. For example, being too thin in the elderly may be due to malnutrition, or it may be caused by undetected malignant diseases or problems with the endocrine system; a decrease in muscle volume indicates that it is necessary to pay attention to whether the elderly have muscle atrophy and muscle weakness. If so, it means that there may be problems with the elderly's physical health, which needs to be taken seriously and medical treatment should be sought as soon as possible. Everyone's physical condition is different, and the elderly should adjust their diet and exercise plans according to their own health conditions and the doctor's advice. The elderly should pay attention to the nutritional balance of their diet and ensure adequate intake of protein, vitamins and minerals. A reasonable dietary structure helps maintain good health. In addition, moderate exercise can help the elderly maintain a healthy weight while increasing muscle strength and improving cardiovascular health.

Therefore, being too fat or too thin in the elderly may mean that their nutritional status is not healthy, and the best health status is to be in the normal weight range or slightly overweight, and maintain sufficient muscle. In fact, for the elderly, as long as they have regular physical examinations, maintain a regular and reasonable diet, have a good attitude, and seek medical treatment in time when they feel unwell, they can have a happy and comfortable old age.