ABSTRACT
Factors contributing to obesity among older adults are diverse, including both genetic and environmental influences, but the storage of excess energy as adipose tissue in the body can only arise when energy intake chronically exceeds energy expenditure, and however that situation occurs. Obesity in the very old tends to be less associated with the undesirable cardiovascular risks accompanying central adiposity in younger cohorts, perhaps because of the premature death of many individuals with the metabolically unfavorable central obesity. Obesity occurs when there is an imbalance of energy requirements and intake, such that dietary fat is stored in an enlarging adipose tissue pool rather than oxidized for fuel. The health implications of obesity as women age are substantial. Obesity is linked to numerous chronic diseases that can lead to premature illness and death. Sleep-disordered breathing has been associated with obesity in older people, and although more common in men, increases in prevalence after the menopause in women.
