[This content is a story-based medical science article, please read it rationally, and do not sit down]
"Doctor, look at my weight, is it time to lose weight?" Uncle Li stood on the scale, looking at the numbers on the display, his brows furrowed.
"Don't worry, Uncle Li. You don't have to lose your weight. I replied with a smile.
Uncle Li looked surprised: "Huh? I'm so fat, I don't have to lose it? "
I picked up the medical record book, looked at Uncle Li's examination results, and said slowly, "How old are you this year?" "
"Just celebrated my 65th birthday." Uncle Li replied.
"That's right." I nodded, "You may not know, but the latest research shows that people after the age of 60 are more likely to live longer if their weight is kept within a certain range." "
When Uncle Li heard this, his eyes suddenly lit up: "Really? Is my weight in that range? "
I smiled mysteriously: "Don't worry, I'll tell you the ins and outs of this 'optimal weight value'." "
Uncle Li is my old sick number, and he worked as an accountant in a state-owned enterprise before retirement. In the past few years, he has always felt that he is fat, and he is talking about losing weight every day. But every time I come for a recheck, I don't lose weight but gains, so I don't come to me again today to "ask the teacher for guilt".
"Uncle Li, do you know BMI?" I asked.
Uncle Li scratched his head: "I've heard of it, it seems to be what body mass index?" "
"That's right." I explained, "BMI is body mass index, which is a number that is calculated by dividing your weight by the square of your height. In general, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal. "
"Then my BMI must be over the standard." Uncle Li said with some frustration.
I smiled and shook my head, "Don't worry, listen to me, there's an interesting study recently." Researchers have found that for people over 60, a BMI between 27 and 30 is more conducive to longevity. "
Uncle Li's eyes widened in surprise: "How is this possible?" Isn't it the thinner the healthier? "
"Not necessarily." I patiently explained, "When you get older, your metabolism slows down, and your weight naturally increases. Moderate weight gain, on the contrary, can provide the body with a certain amount of nutrient reserves, which helps to fight diseases. "
"It's really a life to learn." Uncle Li sighed, "Then is my current weight in that range?" "
I picked up the calculator and did a quick calculation: "You are 1.7 meters tall, weigh 75 kilograms, and have a BMI of 26. It's a little higher than the average person's standard, but it's actually pretty good for your age. "
Uncle Li breathed a sigh of relief: "Then I don't have to lose weight?" "
"I can't say that." I added, "While your BMI is within a relatively safe range, it's important to pay attention to your diet and exercise, because health isn't just measured by weight." "
Speaking of which, I am reminded of the story of another patient, Aunt Wang. Aunt Wang is 68 years old and was a primary school teacher before she retired. She has always focused on maintaining a slim figure, but recently she was admitted to the hospital due to her low weight.
"Uncle Li, let me give you an example." I cleared my throat, "There is an Aunt Wang, she has always felt that the thinner the better, but some time ago, because of her low weight, her immunity decreased, and she had a severe cold, which almost turned into pneumonia. "
Uncle Li shook his head when he heard this: "It's so serious?" "
"Not really." I went on to say, "Older people who are too slim are prone to malnutrition and increased risk. So, it's important to maintain a moderate weight. "
Uncle Li thought thoughtfully: "Then how should we elderly people control their weight?" "
"That's a good question," I said with a laugh, "and first of all, we need to understand that as we age, our body's metabolic rate gradually decreases. This means that even if we eat the same number of calories, we may gain weight slowly. "
"Wouldn't you get fat no matter how you eat it?" Uncle Li was a little worried.
"Not necessarily," I explained, "is to eat properly and exercise moderately. For example, we can increase protein intake and reduce the consumption of refined carbohydrates. "
"How do you eat it?" Uncle Li asked.
I thought about it for a moment and said, "You can eat more high-quality protein like fish, lean meat, eggs, and soy products." Vegetables and fruits should also be eaten more, which can not only provide vitamins and minerals, but also increase satiety. As for the staple food, it is best to choose whole grains, such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, etc. "
Uncle Li nodded seriously: "What about sports?" "
"Exercise is important." "But choose the right way to exercise according to your situation. Walking, tai chi, and swimming are all good options. The most important thing is to stick to 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise every day. "
"I see." Uncle Li said, "Then I will go to the park in the morning to do Tai Chi and take a walk in the evening." "
"Very good idea." I agree, "It's also important to get enough sleep, and good sleep quality is also important for maintaining a healthy weight." "
Uncle Li thought thoughtfully: "Doctor, what you said seems to be no different from young people staying healthy?" "
I smiled, "You're right, in fact, no matter whether you are young or old, a healthy lifestyle is the same. It's just that the elderly need to pay more attention to balance and can't blindly pursue 'thinness'. "
"What if I really get overweight?" Uncle Li asked again.
"If you have a BMI above 30, you really need to consider weight loss." I explained, "However, the elderly lose weight gradually, and they must not adopt extreme dieting methods. It is best to lose weight slowly by adjusting your diet and increasing the amount of exercise under the guidance of your doctor. "
Uncle Li nodded: "I understand." It seems that in the future, you should pay more attention to diet and exercise, and you can't just eat. "
"That's right." I added, "It's also important to have regular check-ups, so that we can detect potential health problems in a timely manner, so that they can be detected and prevented early." "
At this point, I looked at my watch, and nearly an hour had passed. Uncle Li also seemed to notice the time, stood up and prepared to leave.
"Uncle Li, we talked so much today, do you have any feelings?" I asked.
Uncle Li smiled and said, "It's really beneficial!" I used to think that I should lose weight when I got older, but now I realize that it is so important to maintain a moderate weight. I'll have to take good care of my 'little belly' in the future." "
I also laughed: "You summed it up well, remember that health is not achieved overnight, but needs to be adhered to for a long time." I hope that the next time I see you, you will be able to maintain this 'optimal weight' and be healthier and happier." "
After seeing off Uncle Li, I sat back at my desk and recalled the conversation I had just had. The health problems of the elderly are indeed complex and cannot be generalized. Everyone is unique and needs to have the right health plan for their situation.
As a doctor, I feel a great responsibility. We should not only treat diseases, but also help patients establish a correct concept of health. Just like today's conversation with Uncle Li, he broke his inherent concept of "thinness is beauty" and made him realize the importance of maintaining a moderate weight for the elderly.
I believe that as long as we continue to pay attention to the health of the elderly and strive to popularize scientific health knowledge, we will be able to help more elderly people reap a happy and happy old age. After all, a healthy body is the foundation for enjoying life, and maintaining a moderate weight is an important key to a healthy and long life.