Is weight loss a normal part of ageing?

This article was reviewed by Accredited Practising Dietitian Dr Karly Bartrim, a member of Dietitians Australia, the peak professional body for nutrition and dietetics in Australia. 

Weight loss isn’t always healthy with age

Losing weight without trying is not a normal or expected part of ageing.  

Small changes in appetite or body changes can happen over time. However, if day-to-day activities are becoming harder or if there is noticeable or ongoing weight loss, this is a warning sign. It may be a sign something else is going on. 

International and Australian studies show that older adults who lose weight unintentionally have a higher risk of illness and early death. People who keep a stable weight tend to have the best health outcomes. 

If you are thinking about losing weight later in life, it’s important not to do this on your own.  

The hidden risk of malnutrition

Unintentional weight loss is closely linked to malnutrition. Research shows that malnutrition can lead to: 

• Loss of muscle mass and strength (sarcopenia) 
• Feeling tired or low in energy 
• Weakened immune system 
• A higher risk of falls 
• Slower healing and longer recovery from illness 

Malnutrition and poor nutrition are associated with an increased risk of, or poorer outcomes in: 

• Heart disease 
• Gum disease 
• Osteoporosis  
• Dementia 
• Frailty 

Importantly, malnutrition doesn’t always look dramatic. It can be subtle and easy to miss. Once identified, recovery can be slow and complex, requiring personalised support. 

This is why early detection and support are so important.  

Be proactive about your health to stay strong, energised, and independent. A simple first step is to simply watch out for the signs that you need support with nutrition. 

What to watch out for: signs and symptoms

You don’t need to track your weight every day to know something’s off. Pay attention to other clues, such as: 

• Clothes starting to feel loose 
• Eating less or skipping meals 
• Feeling tired, flat, or weak 
• Getting sick more often 
• Finding it harder to focus 

If you notice any of these changes, check in with your GP.  

International guidelines say that, for older people, losing 5–10% of your body weight in a few months is a red flag. If this happens, it’s important to see a health professional. 

What to do if you’re concerned about weight loss or nutrition

Learn how to support your health with better nutrition. There are simple steps you can take to stay well-nourished and reduce your risk of malnutrition. 

Speak to your GP

Talk to your doctor about any changes in appetite, weight, or energy. Early checks make a big difference. You can use the Healthdirect search tool to find a GP near you – and you can select if you want bulk billing. 

See an Accredited Practising Dietitian

Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) can give you advice about nutrition. They are trained to identify malnutrition. They can work with you to maintain strength and energy through the foods you eat. You can find and APD near you with the Dietitians Australia search tool. 

Visit reliable online resources

Explore online tools like Eat for Health. They provide free resources like tipsheets and recipes to help you eat well. 

Try small daily strategies

Small changes can make a big impact. For example: 

• Add energy-dense snacks between meals 
• Include protein at each meal 
• Try not to skip meals 
• Fortify foods with healthy fats or dairy  

Take control of your nutrition today

Unintentional weight loss isn’t something to brush off. It’s one of the strongest predictors of frailty, falls, and poorer health as you age.  

Early support and simple nutrition strategies can help you stay stronger and more independent for longer. 

Check in with yourself, or someone you care about. Reach out for help early.  

Explore more about nutritional health with LiveUp

Check out our other articles about healthy ageing and nutrition: 

• Eating for good health 
• How your nutritional needs change with age
• Easy meal prep tips for healthy ageing

References

Victorian Department of Health. (2023). Unplanned weight loss: Standardised care process. State Government of Victoria. https://www.health.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-11/standardised-care-unplanned-weight-loss.pdf  

Roberts, S., Rattray, M., Crowder, T., Wham, C., Bastin, C., Elliot, A., Scott, D., Hubbard, R., Reid, N., Tobiano, S., Marshall, A., Sluggett, J., Schuldt, V., Dundon, J., Ball, L., & Collins, P. (2022). An evidence-based guide for the identification and nutritional management of malnutrition and frailty in the Australian and New Zealand community. Nutricia. https://nutricia.com.au/adult/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2022/02/ANZ_Community_Malnutrition_and_Frailty_Guidelines_March_2022_FINAL.pdf  

National Health and Medical Research Council. (2023). Health and nutrition of older Australians: Environment scan (Attachment A). Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/attachments/Dietary%20guidelines/Attachment-A-Health-and-nutrition-of-older-Australians-environment-scan.pdf  

Alharbi, T. A., Paudel, S., Gasevic, D., Ryan, J., Freak-Poli, R., & Owen, A. J. (2021). The association of weight change and all-cause mortality in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Age and Ageing, 50(3), 697–704. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afaa231  

Cederholm, T., et al The GLIM consensus approach to diagnosis of malnutrition: A 5-year update. Clinical Nutrition (49) June 2025 pp.11-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2025.03.018. 

How to use this information

LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.

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