The relationship between physical activity and appetite among older adults — A scoping review

Background

Appetite loss among older adults is common and may lead to malnutrition, reduced function and frailty. Regular physical activity may help regulate appetite and enhance overall wellbeing. However, evidence concerning the relationship between physical activity and appetite in older adults remains scarce.

Objectives

This study aims to examine the existing literature for the relationship between appetite and physical activity among older adults, contributing to the identification of existing research gaps.

Method

A scoping review was conducted using a block search strategy with keywords including physical activity, exercise, appetite, and older adults. Searches were performed in Web of Science, PubMed, and CINAHL on November 23, 2023. The inclusion criteria were: English language, human studies, population aged 55+ without severe disease, addressing both appetite and physical activity, original articles, and not qualitative studies.

Results

Of 1190 articles identified, 25 were included. Females comprised 52% of the participants and most studies focused on community-dwelling older adults, primarily in the US and northern Europe. Research design and methodologies varied widely. Of the 25 studies, 14 were cross-sectional studies, seven randomized controlled trials, three non-randomized controlled trials, and one longitudinal observational study. Associations between physical activity and appetite were found in a longitudinal observational study including 186 participants, two randomized trials involving higher-intensity exercise, all non-randomized studies, and 10 cross-sectional studies.

Conclusion

Although an association between appetite and physical activity among older adults has been observed, the lack of randomized controlled trials limits conclusions regarding whether exercise can effectively regulate appetite in older adults.