Aging Changes in Body Shape
As an individual ages, his or her body shape gradually changes. This is a normal part of aging.
What is the information for this topic?
A person’s body is made up of many different materials. These include fat, muscle, bone, water, and other substances. As an individual gets older, the amount and location of these materials change. This is clearly seen when one compares a small child, a middle-aged adult, and an older adult.
The proportion of body fat often increases by as much as 30% as a person ages. Fat is more often deposited toward the center of the body. Much of this fat is deposited around the organs inside the abdomen. The increase in body fat mass is seen most often in the abdomen in men and the thighs in women.
Other normal age-related changes in the body shape include:
There are many age-related changes that cannot be prevented. However, certain lifestyle changes may help to reduce age-related changes. These include:
Article type: xmedgeneral