Sudden Weight Loss in the Elderly: Causes, Concerns, and Prevention Tips

Yes, but only in small amounts over time. It’s normal for your body’s levels of water, muscle, and fat — which all determine your total body weight — to decline as you age.^[01]

Generally, a person’s weight is the highest around age 60, with decreases of less than half a pound every year after age 70.^[01] This means gradual weight loss is expected, but you shouldn’t disregard a significant, noticeable drop in weight as part of the natural aging process.

Sudden weight loss in old age is quick, unintentional, and unexplained in older adults. About 15% to 20% of seniors experience sudden weight loss.^[02] Though some weight loss can be a normal part of aging, losing a substantial amount of weight over a short period of time can be a sign of an underlying condition.

How much weight loss is considered dangerous?

Weight loss in older adults is considered a problem when there’s a loss of 5% body weight in one month or 10% over a six-month period.^[02] For example, if a senior’s normal weight is 150 pounds, 5% of their body weight would be 7.5 pounds while 10% would be 15 pounds. So, if they unintentionally lost 7.5 pounds within a month or 15 pounds within six months, it might be concerning.

“As little as 10 pounds over a month would concern me,” said Dr. Barry Fabius, medical director of geriatrics at Holy Redeemer Health System in Philadelphia. “I’m also concerned about weight loss that is slow and progressive.”

Although sometimes the cause of weight loss in elderly adults goes undiscovered, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If your family member is experiencing significant weight loss, don’t ignore it.

Some of the conditions commonly associated with rapid weight loss in the elderly include:^[01]

• Cancer, which can affect weight and appetite in many different ways
• Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, which can change eating habits
• Gastrointestinal issues, which may lead to malnutrition
• Hyperthyroidism, which accelerates the body’s metabolism
• Depression, which can lead to a loss of appetite

Many behavioral and social factors may also affect an older person’s eating habits and nutrition level:^[03]

• Adverse effects of taking multiple medications
• Limited mobility
• Reduced food intake due to dental issues
• Isolation
• Financial constraints
• Inadequate or improper caregiving
• Alcoholism

Let our care assessment guide you

Significant, unexplained weight loss in seniors may have negative effects, including an increased risk for diseases and a shorter lifespan.^[02]

Some health consequences of sudden senior weight loss can be serious and may include:^[01]

• Loss of ability to perform activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Fatigue
• Greater risk of falls and injuries
• Worsening of cognitive and mood disorders
• Increased need for long-term care like assisted living facilities or nursing homes
• Infections

When it comes to sudden weight loss in elderly seniors, watch for a few key warning signs:

• Depression. Sudden weight loss can be associated with depression, social withdrawal, or loss of a will to live.
• Loss of smell and taste. Though a normal part of the aging process, loss of these senses can be worsened by medication or disease, which can result in anorexia.
• Constipation. A common complaint, constipation can be a result of a diet that lacks adequate nutrients and fluids. Though there are several over-the-counter remedies for constipation, Dr. Fabius also recommends combating poor nutrition with a daily multivitamin and possibly a dietary beverage supplement.
• Loss of appetite. Whether a result of chewing problems or disease, a sudden lack of interest in food is a cause for concern.

Read more:Loss of Appetite in the Elderly: Why It Happens and How to Get It Back

Early detection and action are key to improving your loved one’s health.

“At the first sign of unhealthy weight loss, get them to see a physician as soon as possible,” Dr. Fabius says.

An exam can help you discover and rule out potential causes. In situations like cancer, early treatment can be life-saving.

No matter the apparent cause of the weight loss, simply staying aware of your loved one’s eating habits and weight will help you notice any worrisome changes as they happen.

How to help doctors monitor weight loss and malnutrition

In addition to performing a physical examination of the patient, doctors may ask the caregiver for a detailed history of the patient’s eating habits and weight.

Dr. Fabius recommends his patients weigh themselves twice weekly, with assistance from caregivers or family members if necessary. He also suggests keeping a food diary, which will help paint an accurate picture of a person’s caloric intake and the timing of the weight loss.

“It’s important to see, in that history taking, how many calories they’re actually burning,” advises Dr. Fabius. “If a patient is meeting or exceeding their caloric needs, that’s going to make me suspect hyperthyroidism or a malabsorption syndrome.”

Here are some critical questions doctors may ask:

• Is the person taking in enough calories?
• If so, are they still losing weight?
• Do they have an appetite?

It’s helpful for doctors to understand psychological and social factors in the patient’s life, such as dementia, depression, social isolation, and income status. Keeping a detailed record of all prescription and over-the-counter medications could also be useful to doctors and is a safe practice in general.

Talk with a Senior Living Advisor

Some weight loss is normal, but if you want to help your loved one avoid significant weight loss, you can encourage some good habits.

To prevent unintended weight loss and help your loved one maintain a healthy weight, try some of the following health tips:^[04]

• Regularly exercise. Finding a physical activity they enjoy — whether it’s long walks or a yoga class — and sticking to it can help boost appetite.
• Make changes to diet. Incorporate healthier foods that are high in nutrients and healthy fats.
• Keep food stocked. Make sure to have healthy snacks, canned food, and frozen options so they don’t miss meals due to lack of food.
• Stay hydrated. Make sure they’re drinking enough water, usually around 8 cups per day.
• Stay socially active. Enjoying meals together or hanging out with loved ones can prevent loss of appetite that may be linked to social isolation.

Read more:10 Health Tips for Seniors

Senior care facilities often keep track of factors contributing to your loved one’s sudden weight loss as part of their regular services. Many communities, especially nursing homes, measure weight and vitals regularly. Many communities will also work with residents, their doctors, and their families to develop special diet plans to help the seniors manage their weight and improve their overall well-being.

Several senior living communities employ a dietician or nutritionist to help create residents’ dietary plans based on their unique restrictions and needs. Here’s a look at how many communities within A Place for Mom’s network provide a dietician or nutritionist by level of care:

• About 36% of independent living communities have an on-site dietician or nutritionist.
• About 41% of assisted living communities have an on-site dietician or nutritionist.
• About 45% of memory care communities have an on-site dietician or nutritionist.

Senior living communities offer different services depending on each resident’s needs. Most communities offer meal plans, special dining options, and social opportunities. However, only assisted living and memory care offer medication management and health monitoring to help keep senior residents active and safe. Additionally, memory care offers specialized services to manage dementia behaviors and enhance quality of life.

In many communities, if weight loss is a concern when the resident moves in, staff will likely check their weight weekly or more. Staff tend to develop close relationships with residents, so it is unlikely for drastic changes in weight or eating habits to go unnoticed.

If you’re considering senior living, you can reach out to A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors. They’re highly knowledgeable in local communities and can help you find a good fit based on your budget, needs, and preferences — all at no cost to you.