Nutrition

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Symptoms

Unintended Weight Loss and Undernutrition

  • An unplanned weight loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or more than 5 percent of your normal body weight over 6 to 12 months

  • Losing at least 10 percent of body weight in the last six months

  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) lower than 17, which signals undernutrition. BMI is a measure of body mass based on height and weight.

  • Unintended weight loss is linked to slow wound healing, infections, pressure sores, loss of function, higher risk of hospitalization, and higher risk of death.

  • Unintended weight loss can be caused by medical conditions, trouble chewing or swallowing, emotional or social factors, or medications.

Obesity

  • A BMI greater than 30, which signals overnutrition and obesity

  • Obesity is linked to many health problems in older adults, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, and joint pain.

  • Some older adults have low muscle mass and high body fat. This is called sarcopenic obesity. Because of this, BMI alone is not enough reason to recommend weight loss in older adults.

  • Death rates are lowest for people with a BMI of 27–29 kg/m².

Weight Loss Near End of Life

When a person is near the end of life, they will lose interest in eating and drinking. At this time, a person’s wishes about avoiding feeding tubes and other such measures must be respected. Cultural and religious beliefs about eating at the end of life should be part of any discussion about tube feeding or IV fluids. 

Feeding tubes are also linked to many health problems. They usually do not extend life when a person is dying, especially when someone has dementia.

 

Last Updated May 2026

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