As people age, it’s common for their weight to fluctuate. While some small changes are normal, any large weight loss that isn’t explained by dieting or exercise can be a cause for concern. The consequences of ignoring unexplained weight loss are so severe that most responsible nursing homes will pay close attention to residents’ weight. Explore this guide to learn why weight is so important.
Why Does Weight Matter?
Many people only think about body weight if they do or don’t like the way they look. However, it’s important to keep in mind that your body weight isn’t just a matter of aesthetics. It is also closely linked to your health. Any time a person is losing weight without trying, it can be a sign that part of their body isn’t functioning the way it is supposed to.
In many cases, unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of a bigger issue. Ignoring it can allow a major health problem to flourish untreated. Unexplained weight loss is also a problem because an excessively low weight is a health risk in its own right. If a person loses too much weight, they’re more likely to deal with malnutrition, illness, and heart problems.
Unfortunately, not every nursing home pays close attention to weight. If negligent staff don’t notice unexplained weight loss, patients may suffer unnecessarily from treatable illnesses. Sadly, there have even been cases of people passing away because their unexplained weight loss is ignored until it is too late to get them proper care.
Common Medical Issues Linked to Unexplained Weight Loss
Within the medical community, it’s widely acknowledged that unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of an underlying health problem. Doctors who see patients for unexplained weight loss will often suspect one or more of the following issues.
Cancer
Cancerous cells multiply at a rapid rate, so they need a lot of energy. As cancer spreads, it steals nutrients from the patient and makes it much harder for them to maintain a healthy weight.
Gastrointestinal Issues
When something goes wrong with the digestive process, people can lose weight no matter how much they eat. This often happens because their illness is keeping their body from absorbing nutrients properly. Some common examples of gastrointestinal issues that lead to weight loss include celiac disease and stomach ulcers.
Diabetes
Though diabetes is often associated with a higher starting weight, untreated diabetes can lead to unexplained weight loss. Typically, this occurs because diabetes keeps the body from properly metabolizing sugar. Since the sugar isn’t being used for energy, people can begin to lose weight.
Hormonal Disorders
Your hormones regulate a complex network of bodily processes. Any time this goes wrong, you can end up struggling to maintain a healthy weight. Some common types of hormonal disorders that cause weight loss include adrenal insufficiency and hyperthyroidism.
Depression or Anxiety
Your mental health can have a surprisingly large impact on your weight. When people are struggling with their mental health, they might lose their appetite and find it hard to eat. If this is untreated for long enough, it can lead to major weight loss.
Dementia
Another reason that nursing home abuse lawyers are often concerned about unaddressed weight loss is that it can be a sign of undiagnosed dementia. If a person is dealing with dementia, it’s common for them to forget to eat or begin to eat abnormally. Unless they get proper care, dementia can make it hard for them to eat enough to maintain a healthy weight.
Dental Problems
For many seniors, dental problems can be the culprit behind unexpected weight loss. As people age, they’re more at risk for cavities and tooth loss. This can lead to discomfort and trouble chewing which keeps them from eating enough food.
Best Practices for Monitoring Patients’ Weight
Due to all the potential problems associated with unexplained weight loss, most nursing homes have policies in place requiring staff to keep an eye on patients’ weight. A responsible facility will have a defined plan for how to weigh patients and record their weights. Most nursing homes do monthly checks on each resident’s weight. Some facilities may do weekly weigh-ins especially if they are caring for people who have preexisting medical conditions.
Best practices for monitoring weight also involve addressing unusual changes in weight. If a patient is declining in weight without dieting or exercising, staff should take steps to make sure the person gets additional care. At a minimum, this will involve a check-in from a medical professional. If the professional diagnoses a reason for the weight loss, the nursing home will need to work with the doctor to develop a treatment plan.
For cases where a patient is losing weight despite appearing medically healthy, the nursing home may need to help them change their diet and get enough nutrition. By giving patients more flavorful food, reminding them to eat at regular times, or increasing portion sizes, nursing homes can prevent weight loss and keep their patients healthy.
Ultimately, unexplained weight loss is always a sign that a patient requires extra care. Some people may simply need encouragement to eat more, while others might require treatment for medical conditions. Whatever the cause of the unusual change in weight, responsible management helps aging nursing home members stay safe, healthy, and happy.
For more information about nursing home safety and potential legal options after a loved one has been neglected, My Nursing Home Abuse Guide can be an excellent resource.
