Cutting some unnecessary pounds can be a good thing for seniors, especially if they have been carrying excess weight. However, seniors are also at a high risk of unintentional weight loss. Over 20% of them experience an involuntary weight drop. Some of the reasons this happens have been discussed below.

Loneliness and Isolation

Unintentional and unexplained weight loss in a senior may be due to loneliness and isolation. Most of the time, when one is feeling lonely, they either do not feel like prepping meals, or their appetite is reduced. On some occasions, one may not feel like going out to purchase groceries for meal preparation. Also, social isolation might cause depression which has been associated with weight loss.

Medication

Different medications have different side effects, and you will find some causing significant weight loss in seniors. Taking multiple medications, referred to as polypharmacy, can interfere with one’s appetite, leading to weight loss. Apart from weight loss, most drugs taken by seniors can alter smell and taste, cause nausea, vomiting, and a dry mouth. That is why most seniors are encouraged to consider assisted living in Orlando, where a caregiver will monitor them, ensuring they eat a healthy diet.

Mental Illness

One major symptom of depression and other mental conditions is weight loss. It is common with conditions like bipolar, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders. Also, weight loss among seniors can indicate alcoholism and substance abuse.

Chronic Physical Conditions

Some conditions such as cancer and dementia can lead to a senior losing weight. Cancer is the leading condition of involuntary weight loss in seniors. Dementia, on the other hand, alters the sense of smell and taste, therefore, reducing one’s appetite. Other conditions that can lead to weight loss include heart diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues.

Weight loss is not new to seniors and can be monitored and controlled. When a senior is in an assisted living facility, the caregivers can monitor their progress, adjust their medication, and ensure their diet is healthy.