Medical assessment of obese older patients.

Obesity is a chronic disease associated with many other chronic illnesses. Assessment and treatment of obesity in the older patient can be recommended if in the clinical opinion of the practitioner, weight loss would have a positive impact on the patient's health status. Management of obesity follows the rules used in the management of other chronic diseases. A sympathetic, supportive approach by the practitioner is recommended. A reasonable goal for treatment (eg, a weight loss of 5% to 10% of body weight) should be established, and the main focus should be health benefit. In the older patient, building lean body mass with resistance training seems to be of primary importance. A low-glycemic diet composed of healthy foods is recommended.