March 4, 2023, is World Obesity Day. This day was started in 2015 as a day to open up conversations about obesity and open up possible courses of action for individuals to strive to achieve a healthy weight. In 2023, the goal is to change perspectives about obesity regarding misconceptions and stigmas that are often attached to obesity.

While any age can be obese, the elderly often find that obesity complicates other health issues they may be battling because of their age. It can compound issues and make treating core health issues more difficult.

Having a conversation about obesity can be a sensitive subject for anyone, so if your loved one is obese, approach the topic with grace, caring, and an open mind. Sometimes having a third party around for these conversations is easier, such as a physician or a home care provider, but other times, having someone like a home care provider makes it more difficult. It’s up to you to determine what will help you have the conversation with your loved one.

One of the main reasons it’s so important to talk about obesity and then search for treatment is the fact that obesity can bring on numerous diseases or make the symptoms worse in others. Here are some of the top health issues being obese can exasperate.

Mental Health Issues

Being obese may make it more difficult for your loved one to enjoy the things in life he used to enjoy and it may even cause him to seclude himself at home more often because of difficulty in travel or possibly not wanting to be seen in public. All of this can have a detrimental effect on his mental health, causing depression and anxiety.

Cognition

Obesity can also have a negative effect on cognition, which includes the way your loved one processes information, his memory function, his comprehension ability, and his ability to problem-solve and make wise decisions. These functions often deteriorate with age and they might deteriorate more rapidly in those who are affected by obesity. Since proper cognition helps your loved one live a fuller and more independent life, this effect of obesity is worth serious conversation.

Many diseases

The majority of organs and body systems are affected by obesity. If your loved one is already battling high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or some cancers, being obese will put extra strain on his body. In addition, being obese can make it more likely for your loved one to develop these same diseases, creating a cycle that is hard to break without losing some weight.

Losing weight isn’t as easy as just saying “stop eating” or “eat better” or “exercise more.” While all of those are important steps, a more holistic method with support from home care providers, family, and support groups is more likely to set your loved one up for success in a healthier, more vibrant life that isn’t weighed down by obesity.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Columbia, MD, please contact the caring staff at Care At Home today. 301-970-9706

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Ann Smith RN

Owner at Care at Home

Ann Smith, RN, Realtor® Your local Home care and Home transition expert Ann is a Registered Nurse and a Realtor with a passion and dedication to serving her community. She has over twenty years of nursing experience in pediatric, geriatric, home health care, and care management. She founded Care at Home, a home care company, to provide seniors with services that promote independence and safe aging in place. Ann is dedicated to helping seniors achieve stress-free retirement living by providing comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's mother instilled in her the value of hard work, dedication, and service to others at a young age, which is now a driving force in her home care agency. Her caring and compassionate work with seniors began when she was just 17 years old. She was offered a job as a caregiver. Just as quickly, she instinctively knew that this would be her life's work. She soon became a nurse and has since helped many older adults transition seamlessly into a new phase of life. While helping seniors and individuals with their home care needs, it became apparent that part of the transition process often involved selling their current home for more suitable living arrangements. That's when Ann decided to add real estate services to alleviate stress and enhance her client's experience. It's also how she became known as the Home Transition Agent. Today, Ann helps her mature clients achieve stress-free retirement living by providing in-home care and comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's love for children and dedication to helping families caring for children with chronic health conditions inspired Pediatric Care at Home, a division of Care at Home that provides pediatric nursing care. Ann and her team are dedicated to providing compassionate care to all, from infants to older adults. When Ann isn't busy helping her patients and clients, she volunteers her time at women's shelters and fostering dogs. She and her veteran husband enjoy a simple life in the countryside, where farm animals and country life surround them. Ann also enjoys reading, photography, gardening, and nature walk with their dogs.

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