Managing Weight in Older Adults – Weight Management in Aged Care Webinar
Aug 06, 2025
Nutrition Professionals Australia (NPA) is proud to present this important webinar exploring the complexities of weight management in older people living in residential aged and receiving home care.
Held on Tuesday, 16th September from 1:30pm – 2:15pm (ACST), this 45-minute session is designed to support care teams, catering staff, and health professionals through individualised, safe approaches to weight management – guiding attendees to make informed, person-centred decisions around weight and nutrition.
Led by NPA’s experienced Accredited Practising Dietitian's (APDs), the session will highlight why restrictive dieting practices are not appropriate in aged care, and how weight must be managed with care, dignity, and clinical oversight.
What You’ll Learn
This webinar will clarify why weight loss is not always the right goal for older people and offer guidance on when and how to act safely if weight loss is clinically necessary. The session will cover:
- Why restrictive practices are not recommended: Understand why low-calorie, low-fat, low-sugar diets and reduced meal portions often used by younger people, can do more harm than good in aged care, particularly when used to control weight.
- Risks vs. benefits of higher weight in older people: Explore how increased body weight may impact mobility, breathing, and wound healing – but can also offer protective benefits such as increased bone density and reduced risk of fractures.
- Malnutrition at any size: Learn why being overweight does not guarantee good nutrition, and how an obese person can still be malnourished if their intake is inadequate, especially in protein.
- Unexplained weight loss as a clinical warning sign: Discover why unintentional weight loss should never be ignored and may indicate underlying health and nutrition concerns.
- Safe, supported weight loss: If weight loss is clinically required, learn how to approach it safely. A slow rate of loss (1–2kg per month) is safest, and any plan must involve a doctor, dietitian, and allied health team, with the resident’s full understanding and consent.
- Maintaining muscle and protein intake: Understand how to preserve muscle mass and ensure adequate protein intake during any weight management approach.
- Practical strategies and case insights: Gain actionable tools and examples from our dietitians on how to navigate weight-related conversations and implement effective, respectful care strategies.
Webinar Details
Duration: 45 minutes, including a live Q&A session
Format: Online via Zoom
Who Should Attend: Residential aged care providers, home care teams, catering staff, allied health professionals, and anyone responsible for meal planning or nutrition care. Whether you have managed weight concerns in aged care before or are new to this area, this session will provide valuable guidance and practical approaches to support quality care and compliance with the evolving Aged Care Quality Standards.
Why This Webinar Matters
Weight management in older people is not about dieting - it’s about supporting their health, dignity and independence. Inappropriate or unmonitored weight loss can lead to muscle loss, malnutrition, and a lower quality of life. This webinar will clarify how to assess and address weight-related concerns appropriately and safely in aged care settings, while still protecting each resident’s right to enjoy their food and make informed choices.
Register Now
Limited places available! Secure your spot and ensure your team is equipped with the latest evidence-based guidance on weight management in residential aged and at home care: https://www.npagroup.com.au/offers/4zqPjQac/checkout
