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Uncle Li is 72 years old and was admitted to the hospital because of a sudden heart attack. He was originally a burly man, but in recent years, he has retired at home, his diet is not moderate, and his weight has been rising. After this hospitalization, the doctor told him that he had to lose weight or else he would likely have another attack. Uncle Li frowned, not knowing what to do.
At this moment, a young intern doctor, Wang Xiaofan, walked into the ward. Seeing Uncle Li's melancholy expression, she stepped forward and asked, "Uncle Li, what's wrong with you?" Isn't there something uncomfortable?"
Uncle Li sighed and said, "Doctor Wang, I'm thinking about what the doctor said. Let me lose weight, but at my age, how can I lose weight? Besides, I'm finally retired, do I have to control what I eat and drink?"
Wang Xiaofan listened and smiled understandingly. She pulled a chair and sat on the edge of the bed, and said to Uncle Li, "Uncle Li, I understand your concern. But did you know? Recently, the results of a new study came out that gave new recommendations for weight control in older adults. This may be able to help you. "
Uncle Li became interested, straightened up and asked, "Oh?" What is the study? Tell me about it. "
Wang Xiaofan began to narrate: "The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in United States and published in the Journal of the United States Medical Association. The researchers analysed data from more than 100,000 people over the age of 65 and followed them for 27 years. They found that the optimal weight range for older adults was a bit higher than we previously thought. "
Uncle Li listened carefully and asked, "Then how much?"
"The study found that for people over 65 years of age, the risk of death was lowest when the body mass index (BMI) was between 25 and 29.9," Wang explains. This range is actually considered the 'overweight' range, but it is the safest for older adults. "
Uncle Li was a little confused: "What is BMI?" How?"
Wang Xiaofan patiently explained: "BMI is the abbreviation of body mass index, which is a common indicator to measure whether a person's weight is appropriate. The calculation is simple: divide your weight (kg) by the square of your height (meters). For example, if a person is 1.7 meters tall and weighs 70 kilograms, then his BMI is 70/(1.7*1.7)≈24.2. "
After listening to this, Uncle Li nodded thoughtfully. Wang continued: "The results of this study have made us rethink the issue of weight control in older adults. It tells us that for older adults, maintaining a certain weight may be more beneficial than excessive weight loss. "
Uncle Li suddenly thought of something and asked, "Does that mean I can eat and drink with confidence?"
Wang Xiaofan smiled and shook his head: "It's not like this, Uncle Li." While the results of the study show that older adults can maintain a slightly higher weight, this does not mean that the diet can be indulged. The key is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, and exercise moderately. "
Uncle Li was a little disappointed, but he still listened carefully. Wang Xiaofan went on to explain: "You see, as we age, our bodies change a lot. Muscle mass will decrease and bone density will decrease. A moderate body weight can provide some cushion for these changes. However, if you are overweight, it can still increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases. "
Uncle Li realized: "I see. So what should I do?"
Wang Xiaofan smiled and said, "It's actually very simple, Uncle Li." First of all, we want to calculate your BMI based on your height and weight to see if it is in the optimal range. We will then develop a suitable diet and exercise plan for you. The goal is not to lose weight drastically, but to slowly adjust to the optimal range and maintain a healthy lifestyle. "
After hearing this, Uncle Li's eyes lit up: "In this way, I can still enjoy the food, right?"
Wang Xiaofan nodded: "That's right, Uncle Li." The key is moderation. You can taste a variety of foods, but be careful to control portion sizes, increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, and cut back on foods that are high in fat and sugar. At the same time, it is also necessary to maintain moderate exercise, such as walking for half an hour every day. "
Uncle Li said happily: "So I can rest assured." I've always been worried about quitting my favorite braised pork!"
Wang Xiaofan said with a smile: "Braised pork can be eaten, but the portion must be controlled." We can teach you some cooking techniques to make the dishes delicious and healthy. "
At this moment, Uncle Li's son, Xiao Li, walked into the ward. He heard the conversation between his father and the doctor, and asked with some concern, "Doctor, what is the condition of my father?" Can he really not worry too much about his weight?"
Wang Xiaofan understood Xiao Li's worries and explained: "Don't worry, we will make a detailed plan according to Uncle Li's specific situation. This research gives us new ideas, but everyone's situation is different. We will comprehensively consider Uncle Li's age, physical condition, living habits and other factors to formulate the most suitable plan for him. "
Xiao Li nodded, and asked again: "Then is this research really reliable?" I've seen a lot of weight loss advice on the Internet, all of which say to strictly control your diet. "
Wang Xiaofan understood Xiao Li's doubts and patiently explained: "You raised a very good question. It is true that there is a lot of information online about weight loss, and some may contradict each other. But this study was conducted by an authoritative institution, with a large sample size, a long follow-up time, and a high degree of confidence. However, medical research is always advancing, and we keep a close eye on the latest research results. "
After listening to this, Xiao Li was a little relieved. Wang continued: "In fact, the results of this study are consistent with our understanding of nutrition in the elderly in recent years. As older people age, they are more likely to suffer from malnutrition. A moderate body weight can provide the body with the necessary reserves of nutrients that help fight disease. "
Uncle Li interjected: "Does that mean that my current weight is just right?"
Wang Xiaofan said with a smile: "Uncle Li, we still need to conduct a detailed inspection and evaluation. Everyone's situation is different, and we want to judge it according to your specific situation. But don't be too anxious, we'll help you find the best health regimen for you. "
Xiao Li said thoughtfully: "I understand." It seems that the key is to find a balance between being neither too skinny nor too fat. "
Wang Xiaofan nodded in agreement: "That's right, balance is the key." Our goal is to keep Uncle Li healthy, not to chase a fixed number. A healthy lifestyle, including a sensible diet and moderate exercise, is the most important thing. "
After listening to this, Uncle Li felt a lot more relaxed. He smiled and said, "Then I can continue to drink tea and chat with the old guys in the future?"
Wang Xiaofan smiled: "Of course you can, Uncle Li." Social activities are important for both the physical and mental health of older adults. However, I recommend that you eat less high-calorie snacks and choose more fruits or low-fat snacks when drinking tea. "
Xiao Li also relaxed when he saw his father's happy appearance. He said to Wang Xiaofan, "Thank you, doctor. Your explanation reassured us all. "
Wang Xiaofan smiled and said, "No thanks." Our goal is to help patients achieve optimal health. Next, we will develop a detailed rehabilitation plan for Uncle Li, including dietary advice and exercise regimen. We will follow up regularly and adjust the plan according to the situation. "
Uncle Li said happily: "Great! I feel motivated again. "
Wang Xiaofan encouraged: "This positive attitude is very important, Uncle Li. Staying optimistic and confident can help a lot in recovery. "
Disclaimer: This article is for reference only, and the medical knowledge described is true and well-founded, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have any health problems, please consult a doctor or other