Wednesday May 30, 5:00 am Eastern Time

Press Release

SOURCE: Public Information Committee of the ASNS/ASCN
Study Shows Metabolism Slows Down Significantly in Old Age: Monitoring the Bathroom Scale Can Help Identify Serious Health Before It's Too Late

BETHESDA, Md., May 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Elderly persons should be wary of unexpected weight loss, according to research highlighted by the Public Information Committee of the American Society for Nutritional Sciences and the American Society for Clinical Nutrition. Recent research shows that metabolism -- the body's ability to regulate itself -- dwindles with age, and may explain why many people become thin and frail in their elder years.

``When you're young and healthy, your body works hard to compensate for overeating or undereating,'' says Susan B. Roberts, senior investigator of the study published in the Journal of Nutrition (2001 Jun; 131:1833-1838). ``Your metabolism speeds up or slows down in an effort to maintain a constant weight. But metabolism doesn't adapt as well when you get older. When an elderly person doesn't eat enough -- as a result of illness, lack of appetite, or any other reason -- his or her metabolism may not slow down to conserve energy and preserve body mass.''

Losing weight is not always cause for alarm, but the elderly should pay particular attention to their weight and consult their healthcare professional if any change occurs. Losing just a few pounds could be a signal an underlying disease or illness. Even healthy seniors should be wary of unexpected weight loss that can increase their susceptibility to illness or cause overall weakness that can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, or accidents such as falling down and fracturing a hip. Because their body's regulatory mechanisms don't work as well as they used to, it can take months or years to recover, if ever.

Although metabolism may become a bit rusty with age, nutrition experts say a healthy diet, exercise, monitoring the bathroom scale, and frequent visits with a healthcare professional can help identify serious health problems before it's too late.

This media release is intended to provide current information on health and nutrition-related research. This information should not be construed as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, consult your doctor.

SOURCE: Public Information Committee of the ASNS/ASCN

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