Abstract
Objective: To discuss the endocrine-metabolic changes in elderly individuals as a cause of obesity. Bibliographic review: The growth hormone (GH), estrogen and testosterone hormones are reduced in aging. Cortisol is increased due to a greater stress level in the elderly individuals. It also occurs thyrostimulant hormone (TSH) elevation with lower gland response to its stimulus as well as a decrease in the production of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Insulin and glucagon have their secretion altered, contributing to the increase in blood glucose, which is proportional to age. The decreased secretion of leptin and increased ghrelin occur with aging. Therefore, all of these hormonal changes contribute to obesity in this demographic. Final considerations: Obesity in elderly individuals occurs once aging brings changes in body composition in relation to muscle tissue, fat and changes in the production and release of various hormones linked to metabolism, besides the modification in the habits, such as sedentarism.