Advances in Mental Health

There are so many weight loss programs available today. And that's a good thing! There is certainly a program to suit every preference and every need. Sometimes, though, this makes it hard to determine exactly which weight loss program is a good fit. Older adults, especially, may struggle to find a weight loss program that suits them. If you have an older adult in your life who is looking to lose weight, then consider helping them find a good program. Here are some things to look for.

Flexible physical activity requirements

A weight loss program that recommends physically grueling exercise is not going to work well for most older people. You do, however, want to find a program that recommends some exercise. Not only is exercise important to get your loved one's metabolism up so they can lose weight, but it is also important for their long-term mobility and overall health. Try looking for a program that calls for lighter activities like walking or beginner's yoga. Some plans are even vaguer, calling for 30 minutes of exercise a day. This can also work well, as long as your loved one is motivated to find an activity they enjoy and get out there.

Low sugar content

Many older adults, especially those who are overweight, are either diabetic or at risk of developing diabetes. So, when looking for a weight loss program for an older adult, it is a good idea to find one that calls for limited sugar. Stay away from most smoothie and shake-based plans. The products they use tend to contain a lot of sugar, which may be fine for a young and active person but not for an older adult. A plan that specifies the user should eat, say, less than 24 grams of sugar per day, is a good choice.

Low-tech interaction

Many weight loss plans these days rely on a lot of technology use and smartphone interaction. Younger people enjoy this, but older adults are sometimes overwhelmed by plans that are too high-tech. Even if your older loved one uses a smartphone, look for a weight loss plan that has a really simple app, and preferably one that has some sort of interaction, such as in-person meetings, outside of the internet. 

With so many weight loss plans available, there is certainly one out there that's perfect for your older loved one. It is just a matter of finding it. Look into different weight loss programs offered in your area.