Obese older adults can still improve their quality of life by adding exercise to their routine.  A recent study looked at 180 generally healthy, sedentary, non-smoking, obese adults aged 65 to 79.  All participants were put into a supervised exercise program.  They were divided into 3 groups: exercise only; exercise and 250 calories less than normal; and exercise and 600 calories less than normal.

The best overall group to gain benefits was the exercise with 250 calorie reduction.  Exercise and a small calorie reduction (250 calories less per day) showed the same health benefits as exercising and a calorie reduction of 600 calories per day.

Exercise often makes you hungrier, which can make weight loss difficult.  But even small calorie restriction (one less snack or eliminating a few slices of bread) coupled with exercise can boost your overall health.  It is difficult to maintain an aggressive reduction in calories for a long period of time.

Older adults even obese older adults who are healthy can live independently longer and reduce their chances of a health disability.