Medications are sometimes used off-label to stimulate appetite and induce weight gain in older adults. Most commonly used are mirtazapine, megestrol, and dronabinol.
For instance, deficiencies in zinc and vitamin B1 (thiamine) are linked to loss of appetite, making supplementation a viable option for some seniors. Unlike conventional medications, these supplements tend to have milder effects and can be an integral part of a holistic approach to wellness.
Vitamins and Supplements
Certain vitamins and minerals, such as zinc and vitamin B, can help increase appetite. Nutritional supplements, such as protein shakes, can also provide extra calories and nutrients to help you eat enough calories to gain weight. Fish oil supplementation is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Traditionally, the “elderly” are considered to be those persons age 65 and older. By that definition, in 1987 there were just over 30 million elderly people in the United States, more than 12 percent of the total U.S. population of nearly 252 million (Table 3.1).
Appetite Stimulants Not Recommended in Older Adults
Weight gain may not be an outcome that improves an older adult's functional status or quality of life, and the potential adverse effects may actually increase morbidity and mortality (J Hosp Med 2022;17:389–392).
Megestrol (Megace ES), dronabinol (Marinol, Syndros), and oxandrolone are FDA-approved appetite stimulants that can promote weight gain and nutritional intake when needed. Mirtazapine (Remeron) is an antidepressant that's sometimes taken off-label to boost appetite.
Include a variety of fruit and vegetables in your diet. You can add extra calories and protein by adding butter, cheese or sauces to vegetables, or custard or cream to fruit. Aim to have starchy foods such as cereals, potatoes, bread and rice at every meal.
Certain vitamins and minerals, including zinc and vitamin B-1, can increase appetite. However, these usually only work if the person has deficiencies in these nutrients. Other supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, may boost appetite.
Cypon Syrup is indicated for loss of appetite, weight loss, and anorexia nervosa (an eating disorder with low body weight). Cypon Syrup is also prescribed for underweight children with inadequate dietary intake, loss of appetite, anaemia, liver, or digestive disorder.
Megestrol is weakly associated with weight gain in the frail older adult; however, megestrol is associated with increased risk of death and thromboembolic events (SOR: B, a meta-analysis with moderate heterogeneity and low-quality evidence).
If the person doesn't want to eat meals at set times or at a table, make finger foods available such as sausage rolls, falafel, samosas, spring rolls, sandwiches, slices of fruit and vegetables so they can snack on these instead.
Making mealtimes enjoyable social events. Fighting dry mouth. Providing plenty of easy-to-eat finger foods. Offering a wide variety of food options dense in nutritional benefits.
B-Complex. B-vitamins help boost the appetite by supporting the nervous system and promoting healthy digestion, which can improve overall appetite and food intake.
Cinnamon water or cinnamon tea can help lower your blood sugar levels after dinner. This can help your metabolism, aid in weight loss, and prevent metabolic disease. Cinnamon water or cinnamon tea may also lower your appetite. This can help you avoid late-night snacking and cravings.
Muscles tend to lose strength, endurance and flexibility. That in turn can affect coordination, stability and balance. These changes raise the risk of falls. Falling with weaker bones makes it more likely that you could break a bone.
At what age is a person considered elderly? According to the World Health Organization, aging is commonly measured by chronological age. As a convention, a person over age 65 is often referred to as elderly.
A person between 60 and 69 is called a sexagenarian. A person between 70 and 79 is called a septuagenarian. A person between 80 and 89 is called an octogenarian. A person between 90 and 99 is called a nonagenarian.