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.