TURK GERIATRI DERGISI-TURKISH JOURNAL OF GERIATRICS, cilt.12, sa.4, ss.202-216, 2009 (SCI-Expanded)
Obesity can be classified as a complex disease which contributes to poor mobility and various diseases in all stages of life. However, recent evidence shows that, in older adults, obesity is also associated with functional impairment and decreased quality of life in varying forms and degrees. The high prevalance of obesity in elderly people makes it an important clinical issue. Understanding the aging process and the most common problems that the geriatric obese patients face is the first step in providing the best possible care for this fragile population. The heterogeneity of obesity in older adults regarding its association with metabolic diseases and functional capacity, makes it a challenge to prevent weight gain and achieve weight loss. By developing and following a geriatric health plan, disorders and diseases can be diagnosed early enough to provide medical or surgical intervention. This review will focus on the treatment of geriatric obesity by antiobesitic drugs and the possible toxicological outcomes.