Healthy Aging When You’re Living with Obesity

If you’re living with the disease of obesity, it’s important to be mindful of your health.

Obesity gets harder to manage as we age. 

Why?

• Metabolism

• Muscle quality

• Strength

• Bone density

• All decline with age

• Obesity symptoms get worse with age

  • Breathing problems
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Joint pain
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Mental health issues
• The risk for age-related problems goes up if you have obesity

People living with obesity are more likely to:

• Have a disability
• Experience social isolation
• Miss work
• Have chronic health problems such as diabetes
• Have higher healthcare costs
• Need nursing home care
• Have poor end-of-life care

Be as healthy as you can

There are steps you can take to prevent or improve health problems associated with obesity.

• Eat a healthy diet

• Exercise

• Take care of your mental health

• Consider anti-obesity medications

• Consider surgery if necessary

Be proactive for better health

If you’re living with obesity, talk to your healthcare provider for ways to keep as healthy as possible as soon as possible.

This educational resource was created with support from Novo Nordisk, a HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council member.