According to researchers in the USA, the primary contributor to obesity is the relationship between energy intake and expenditure.

Obesity occurs when a person consumes more calories than s/he burns.

While food intake does not diminish with age, the amount of exercise people take is likely to and this contributes to the increase in body fat as we age.

Scientists also suggest that hormonal changes in the body as we age also play a part due to the reduction in growth hormone secretions.

While genetics can play a role in the incidence of obesity, the environment also plays a part, for example the availability of healthy food choices and even safe places to walk or exercise. Poverty and lower levels of education have also been linked to obesity.

Older adults who are obese are more likely than those who are not obese to report symptoms of depression, such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and hopelessness.

Day-to-day problems related to obesity include:

• breathlessness
• increased sweating
• snoring
• difficulty doing physical activity
• often feeling very tired
• joint and back pain
• low confidence and self-esteem
• feeling isolated

Obesity in older people can also lead to health problems such as:

• type 2 diabetes
• coronary heart disease
• some types of cancer, such as breast cancer and bowel cancer
• stroke

Treating obesity is all about making lifestyle changes including

• eating a balanced calorie-controlled diet as recommended by a GP or weight loss management health professional (such as a dietitian)
• joining a local weight loss group
• taking up activities such as fast walking, jogging, swimming or tennis for 150 to 300 minutes (2.5 to 5 hours) a week

eating slowly and avoiding situations where you know you could be tempted to overeat