High baseline values of fat mass, independently of appendicular skeletal mass, predict 2-year onset of disability in elderly subjects at the high end of the functional spectrum.

Background And Aims: To evaluate the relation between baseline body composition and 2- year onset of functional limitation in elderly subjects at the high end of the functional spectrum.

Methods: Anthropometric measurements, physical functioning as measured by a modified version of the Activities of Daily Living Scale, and baseline albumin, were evaluated in 145 men and women aged 66-78 years, free of functional limitations, selected from the general population of Verona. In each subject, total body fat mass (FM) and appendicular FFM (ASMM) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; the FM (FMI) and ASMM indexes (ASMMI) were also calculated by dividing each body composition variable by height squared.

Unbalanced serum leptin and ghrelin dynamics prolong postprandial satiety and inhibit hunger in healthy elderly: another reason for the "anorexia of aging".

Background: In healthy elderly, a reduction from the appetite and food intake of younger years has been defined as the "anorexia of aging," which may cause malnutrition. Leptin and ghrelin may alter the control of hunger and satiety and thus lead to anorexia.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate how aging affects serum leptin and ghrelin concentrations in response to a meal and the relation of those hormones to hunger and satiety sensations.

Delayed postprandial gastric emptying and impaired gallbladder contraction together with elevated cholecystokinin and peptide YY serum levels sustain satiety and inhibit hunger in healthy elderly persons.

Background: Altered gastric and cholecystic motility are risk factors for malnutrition in elderly persons, mainly through impaired satiety-appetite rhythm. Contrasting data have been published about this topic. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in healthy elderly participant, postprandial gastric and cholecystic emptying in relation to serum CCK (cholecystokinin) and PYY (peptide YY), as well as satiety and hunger sensations.