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Obesity and overeating are major health risks for people of all ages. However, they may be even more of a health risk for seniors who have preexisting medical conditions. Here are some ways to stop your senior loved one from eating too much.
Provide Satisfying Foods
Offer your loved one foods that are filling, such as legumes and lean sources of protein. These foods can keep your loved one fuller longer, and they can also stabilize blood sugar levels. When blood sugar is either too high or too low, your loved one may experience extreme hunger, causing him or her to eat too much. In addition to providing filling foods, make sure your loved one drinks plenty of water throughout the day to maintain a feeling of fullness so he or she isn’t tempted to overeat.
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Encourage Exercise
While many people believe exercising increases the appetite and thus leads to overeating, exercising more can actually dampen the appetite. If your loved one leads a sedentary lifestyle and eats too much, encourage him or her to start exercising to burn excess calories and blunt the appetite for a few hours afterward. While exercise provides health benefits for just about everyone, before encouraging your loved one to start a new exercise program, talk to the doctor to make sure it’s safe and healthy to do so.
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Monitor for Depression
Certain mood disorders may lead to eating too much. If your loved one appears sad, sleeps too little or too much, or cries frequently, see a physician. The doctor will examine your loved one and, if warranted, refer him or her to a mental health professional for further evaluation and treatment.
Once depression has been identified and treated effectively, your loved one may not eat as much. However, certain medications used in the treatment of depression and anxiety may increase the appetite, leading to overeating. If your loved one eats too much because of medications, set up an appointment with a nutritionist, who can help your loved one make healthy food choices.
Encourage Taking Up a Hobby
Sometimes seniors overeat out of boredom or loneliness. If your loved one doesn’t have a spouse, friends, or family who live close by, suggest getting a hobby. A hobby may be an effective diversion from eating too much and can even brighten your loved one’s mood.
Age-appropriate hobbies for seniors include knitting, crocheting, painting, and cooking. If your loved one doesn’t have mobility limitations and is able to leave the house, hobbies such as bird-watching, photography, and hiking can prevent frequent thoughts of food from entering the mind.
Professional caregivers trained in nutrition and healthy habits can be a great source of guidance and encouragement for seniors who need help managing their diet. Since every senior has different needs, the type of support they require can vary. Families looking for dependable home care Reston services can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care for personalized care plans. Our caregivers promote healthy eating, regular exercise, strong social connections, and mentally stimulating activities that support cognitive health and may help delay dementia. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call Assisting Hands Home Care today