weight loss and age

I was speaking with a Florida family practice physician yesterday and she has a practice wih mostly Medicare-age patients (65 and above). We were discussing weight loss programs and I informed her that the avearge of of our Serotonin-Plus patients are 48 (females) and 45 (males). We do have a number of patients over 65, but certainly not a majority. Most of the 85-plus age patients coming to us express concern of course about weight related morbidities such as their diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea etc. I never really gave much thought to the confidence/self esteem/desire to obtain an enhanced aesthetic appearance as their motivation.

The physician I spoke to yesterday who sees far greater number of geriatric patients emphasized to me just how important this factor is in her patients'quest to lose weight. Yes, they are concerned about their medical co-morbidities but not unlike our 40 year olds, they want to feel more appealing to themselves and others physically.

Weight loss makes us look younger, healthier and we can wear clothes that display our health, not hide our weight. No matter what age, losing weight makes us feel better in many ways.