[Should obesity in the elderly be treated? Sparse scientific evidence to support treatment of overweight in this age group].

Mean body weight increases with age up to about ago 60 and then levels off. Information about the association between body weight and mortality at old age is sparse, since most studies are cross-sectional. Some studies even suggest a protective effect of overweight at old age. Weight loss treatment may be indicated even at old age to relieve mechanical problems, reduce the need for pharmacotherapy and improve self-esteem. As regards treatment, most clinical drug trials actively exclude older people, and hence little is known about the effects in this age group. However, physical activity, even at old age, has documented beneficial effects, in spite of modest effects on weight. Bariatric surgery, although obviously debatable in this age group, has been safely performed. With an increased segment of the population of higher age under way, strategies to manage obesity, also in this age group, need to be developed.