Back shortening in old age

When analysing the causes of a thick belly, the shortening of the back is often overlooked in older people.

It is well known that people tend to shrink in old age.

This is because the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae become thinner and thinner. Osteoporosis also causes relatively frequent vertebral collapses. Then the vertebral bodies slide more or less into each other and lose height.

Shrinkage over the years can be several centimetres.

When the trunk becomes shorter, there is less space inside the trunk for the abdominal organs and any fat.

Therefore, it is a natural consequence if the belly curves forward a little.

This means that even without an increase in weight and without an increase in abdominal fat, the abdomen can become thicker.

This should be taken into account when assessing the abdomen of an elderly person.