Which percentage weight loss in one month is considered alarming in older adults?

• A. 3%
• B. 4%
• C. 6%
• D. 5%

Answer: (D)

In older adults, unintentional weight loss signals potential underlying illness and a risk for decline, so a loss of about five percent of body weight in one month is considered alarming. This level is a practical threshold used to prompt prompt evaluation for causes such as malignancy, chronic disease, depression, medication effects, or inadequate intake, since even relatively small losses can have significant consequences like frailty, weakness, and poorer immune function. Lower percentages may be less consistently worrisome in such a short timeframe, while larger losses are also concerning, but five percent in a month is the commonly cited red flag. If the weight loss is intentional, it isn’t the same concern, but unintentional loss at or above this level should trigger a thorough assessment.