Although several factors cause obesity in aging adults, key reasons why many people become obese as they age involve a decrease in their physical activity, lower metabolic rates, medication, and poor nutrition needs.

To prevent obesity, the elderly should stick to a healthy diet and eat more vegetables, fruits, beans, lean meat and poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy. They should drink a lot of water and choose foods rich in healthy fats like nuts, fatty fish, coconut oil, dark chocolate, and avocados. At the same time, they should avoid or at least limit processed and high-calorie foods with little to no nutritional value, such as sugar, fast food, cookies, pastries, chips, etc.

Although chronic illness or injuries may limit the aging person’s mobility, an active lifestyle is one of the best ways to prevent obesity. Burning more calories than they eat or drink can help aging adults stay healthy, prevent obesity, or lose weight.