Obesity in the ageing man

• Published in: Metabolism, clinical and experimental clinical and experimental, 2013-10, Vol.62 (10), p.1341-1349
• Main Authors: Michalakis, K, Goulis, D.G, Vazaiou, A, Mintziori, G, Polymeris, A, Abrahamian-Michalakis, A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ageing; Aging - metabolism; Biological and medical sciences; Body Composition; Endocrinology & Metabolism; Energy Metabolism; Feeding. Feeding behavior; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; hormonal changes; Hormones - metabolism; Humans; Male; man; Medical sciences; Metabolic diseases; Obesity; Obesity - metabolism; Vertebrates: anatomy and physiology, studies on body, several organs or systems
• ISSN: 0026-0495; 1532-8600
• DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2013.05.019

Abstract As the population is ageing globally, both ageing and obesity are recognized as major public health challenges. The aim of this narrative review is to present and discuss the current evidence on the changes in body composition, energy balance and endocrine environment that occur in the ageing man. Obesity in the ageing man is related to changes in both body weight and composition due to alterations in energy intake and total energy expenditure. In addition, somatopenia (decreased GH secretion), late-onset hypogonadism (LOH), changes in thyroid and adrenal function, as well as changes in appetite-related peptides (leptin, ghrelin) and, most importantly, insulin action are related to obesity, abnormal energy balance, redistribution of the adipose tissue and sarcopenia (decreased muscle mass). A better understanding of the complex relationship of ageing-related endocrine changes and obesity could lead to more effective interventions for elderly men.