The Geriatric Dietitian

Katie Dodd, MS, RDN, CSG, LD, FAND
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast is your go-to geriatric nutrition podcast for practical, evidence-based guidance to support healthy aging. Hosted by Registered Dietitian and gerontological nutrition specialist Katie Dodd, this podcast helps older adults, caregivers, and healthcare professionals better understand nutrition in aging without the confusion or overwhelm. Each episode delivers simple, real-life strategies to support strength, independence, and quality of life. If you're looking for straightforward nutrition guidance that makes sense for aging, you're in the right place.

  1. 4d ago

    TGD 22: Unintentional Weight Loss in Older Adults- When to Be Concerned

    Unintentional weight loss in older adults is something we need to take seriously. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, Katie discusses why weight stability matters as we age and why losing weight without trying can be a warning sign rather than something to celebrate. This is Part 4 of the five-part BMI in Older Adults series. In this episode, you'll learn: Why unintended weight loss in older adults is concerning How weight loss can contribute to muscle loss and loss of independence What is considered significant unintended weight loss Why gradual or insidious weight loss can still be a red flag The connection between weight loss, malnutrition, and mortality How the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) is used to screen for malnutrition risk How dietitians assess muscle loss and nutrition status Why usual body weight and weight trends matter more than focusing on one number When weighing an older adult may not be appropriate Why preserving muscle should remain a priority Katie also discusses why weight loss should be evaluated in the context of nutrition, muscle, strength, function, health status, and an individual's usual body weight. Learn more at TheGeriatricDietitian.com. Next week, we'll wrap up the BMI in Older Adults series by discussing what older adults should consider when they intentionally want or need to lose weight.

    TGD 22: Unintentional Weight Loss in Older Adults- When to Be Concerned

  2. Sep 29

    TGD 021: Sarcopenia in Older Adults: Why Muscle Matters More Than Weight

    When it comes to healthy aging, the number on the scale doesn't tell the whole story. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, we're talking about sarcopenia - the loss of muscle that occurs with aging - and why preserving muscle is so important for older adults. We'll look at the relationship between muscle mass, function, independence, falls, frailty, and mortality. We'll also discuss sarcopenic obesity and why someone can live in a larger body while still having inadequate muscle mass. In this episode, you'll learn: What sarcopenia is and why it matters Why weight and BMI don't tell us about body composition What sarcopenic obesity means How muscle loss can impact function, independence, and mortality Why weight loss isn't always a positive outcome in older adults Why preserving muscle should be a priority as we age This episode is part three of a five-part series on BMI in older adults. Learn more about BMI in older adults: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/bmi-in-the-elderly/ Thanks for listening to The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast!

    TGD 021: Sarcopenia in Older Adults: Why Muscle Matters More Than Weight

  3. Sep 22

    TGD 020: Optimal BMI for Older Adults- What the Research Shows

    Is a lower BMI always better as we age? Not necessarily. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, Katie takes a closer look at what the research actually shows about BMI and mortality in adults over age 65. Research suggests that the BMI range associated with the lowest rates of mortality in older adults may be higher than the standard "normal" BMI range used for younger adults. Katie discusses why this matters, why unintended weight loss deserves attention, and why muscle, strength, function, and independence should be part of the conversation when evaluating weight in older adults. In this episode, you'll learn: ✨ Why standard adult BMI categories may not tell the whole story for adults over 65 ✨ What research shows about BMI and all-cause mortality in older adults ✨ Why a BMI around 27 was associated with the lowest mortality in a large meta-analysis ✨ Why unintended weight loss and muscle loss are important concerns with aging ✨ Why BMI should always be considered in the context of the individual Katie also shares why she uses approximately 23 to 30 as the BMI range associated with the lowest rates of mortality in older adults, while emphasizing that BMI is only one piece of the overall picture. Resources: BMI in the Elderly: What You Need to Know https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/bmi-in-the-elderly/ Free Healthy Aging Nutrition Guide https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/ The Geriatric Dietitian https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/ Be sure to subscribe to The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast so you don't miss the rest of this five-part series on BMI and older adults. In the next episode, Katie discusses sarcopenia and why muscle matters so much as we age.

    TGD 020: Optimal BMI for Older Adults- What the Research Shows

  4. Sep 8

    TGD 019: Understanding BMI in Older Adults- What the Number Really Means

    BMI is used everywhere in healthcare, but does the standard BMI chart really apply to older adults? In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, registered dietitian and geriatric nutrition specialist Katie Dodd breaks down what BMI actually measures, where it came from, its limitations, and why BMI needs to be interpreted differently as we age. In this episode, you'll learn: What BMI is and how the standard adult BMI categories are defined The surprising history of BMI and why it was never originally designed as an individual health assessment Why BMI does not account for muscle mass, body composition, nutrition status, physical activity, or functional status What research tells us about BMI and mortality in adults over age 65 Why a BMI traditionally classified as "overweight" may be associated with lower mortality risk in older adults Why unintended weight loss, malnutrition, and muscle loss are especially important considerations with aging Why healthcare providers should look at the whole person instead of automatically recommending weight loss based on BMI alone The big takeaway: BMI is just one piece of information. It does not define someone's health, and when BMI is used in older adults, it needs to be interpreted in the context of aging. This episode kicks off a five-part series on BMI in older adults. Next week, we'll dig deeper into optimal BMI for older adults and what the research tells us about why those numbers change after age 65. Learn more from The Geriatric Dietitian: BMI in the Elderly: What You Need to Know - The Geriatric Dietitian Get the FREE Healthy Aging Nutrition Guide: https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast and share it with someone who would benefit from evidence-based nutrition information for healthy aging.

    TGD 019: Understanding BMI in Older Adults- What the Number Really Means

  5. Sep 1

    TGD 018: Nutrition & Dementia- Practical Strategies for Caregivers

    In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, Katie is joined by registered dietitian Laura MacDonald, founder of The Seniors Dietitian, to talk about nutrition and dementia and practical ways caregivers can support their loved ones. Laura shares how dementia can impact every part of eating- from recognizing hunger and planning meals to grocery shopping, preparing food, using utensils, chewing, swallowing, and maintaining a healthy appetite. In this episode, we discuss: • How dementia can affect eating, appetite, and nutrition • Practical ways caregivers can support meals and food access • Chewing and swallowing concerns and when to seek additional help • Strategies for maintaining independence with eating • Reduced appetite, unintended weight loss, and ways to make every bite count Laura MacDonald is a registered dietitian and founder of The Seniors Dietitian. After more than a decade working in acute care with older adults, she developed a special interest in helping caregivers understand and navigate poor appetite, unintended weight loss, and other nutrition challenges associated with dementia. Connect with Laura: The Seniors Dietitian: https://theseniorsdietitian.com/ Instagram: @TheSeniorsDietitian Free Nutrition Guides for Seniors & Caregivers: https://the-seniors-dietitian.kit.com/3918450b79 Laura is also developing Feeding with Confidence, a comprehensive course designed to help caregivers navigate nutrition, low appetite, unintended weight loss, and eating changes throughout the progression of dementia. Get the FREE Healthy Aging Nutrition Guide: https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/ Learn more at The Geriatric Dietitian: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/

    TGD 018: Nutrition & Dementia- Practical Strategies for Caregivers

  6. Aug 25

    TGD 017: Maintaining Good Oral Health in Older Adults

    Good oral health is about so much more than preventing cavities. Your mouth plays an important role in your ability to eat, enjoy food, maintain good nutrition, and stay healthy and independent as you age. In this final episode of our five-part series on oral health in older adults, registered dietitian Katie Dodd shares practical strategies for maintaining good oral health as you age. In this episode, you'll learn: Simple daily habits that support good oral health Tips for brushing, flossing, and denture care How dry mouth and nutrition affect oral health Why regular dental care matters Ways caregivers can support older adults with oral care Dental care can be expensive, transportation can be difficult, and changing lifelong habits isn't always easy. But small, consistent steps can help protect your oral health and prevent bigger problems down the road. Remember: the mouth is the first route of nutrition. Taking care of your mouth can help you continue enjoying the foods you love, support good nutrition, preserve independence, and protect your overall quality of life. Free Healthy Aging Nutrition Guide: https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/ Learn more at The Geriatric Dietitian: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/

    TGD 017: Maintaining Good Oral Health in Older Adults

  7. Aug 18

    TGD 016: Poor Oral Health, Malnutrition, and Aspiration Pneumonia

    Poor oral health can have serious consequences for older adults that go far beyond cavities and tooth loss. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, geriatric dietitian Katie Dodd explains how oral health problems can contribute to malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia. You'll learn how pain, missing teeth, poorly fitting dentures, and dry mouth can make eating more difficult and lead to unintended weight loss. Katie also discusses the connection between oral bacteria, dysphagia, and aspiration pneumonia, and why good oral hygiene is an important part of supporting overall health in older adults. In this episode, you'll learn: How poor oral health can increase the risk of malnutrition Why chewing difficulties can affect calorie and protein intake The connection between dysphagia, oral bacteria, and aspiration pneumonia Why oral hygiene matters beyond preventing cavities Ways healthcare professionals and caregivers can identify and address oral health concerns Poor oral health isn't just a dental issue. It's a nutrition issue. It's a quality-of-life issue, and sometimes it can even be a life-or-death issue.

    TGD 016: Poor Oral Health, Malnutrition, and Aspiration Pneumonia

  8. Aug 11

    TGD 015: Missing Teeth, Dentures, and Chewing Difficulty in Older Adults

    Missing teeth and difficulty chewing are common in older adults, but tooth loss is not a normal part of healthy aging. In this episode of The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast, Katie Dodd, MS, RDN, CSG, LD, FAND discusses how missing teeth, dentures, and chewing difficulties can impact nutrition, food choices, socialization, and quality of life. While dentures can be incredibly helpful, they don't function exactly like natural teeth. Eating with dentures can take time and practice, and some older adults may continue to avoid certain foods because they're difficult or uncomfortable to chew. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why tooth loss is not a normal part of healthy aging • How missing teeth can affect nutrition • Why dentures don't completely eliminate chewing difficulties • Signs that an older adult may be struggling to chew, even if they say they aren't • Nutritious soft foods that can make eating easier • How to modify foods instead of simply eliminating them • Why chewing difficulties can contribute to unintended weight loss • How dentures and tooth loss can affect socialization, confidence, and quality of life • Ways to support someone adjusting to dentures When chewing becomes difficult, the goal isn't simply to remove nutritious foods from the diet. Instead, we can find ways to make those foods softer and easier to eat while continuing to meet nutritional needs. Learn more from The Geriatric Dietitian: https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/ Get free nutrition resources from The Geriatric Dietitian: https://thegeriatricdietitian.myflodesk.com/ Be sure to subscribe to The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast and share this episode with someone who may find it helpful.

    TGD 015: Missing Teeth, Dentures, and Chewing Difficulty in Older Adults
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Geriatric Dietitian Podcast is your go-to geriatric nutrition podcast for practical, evidence-based guidance to support healthy aging. Hosted by Registered Dietitian and gerontological nutrition specialist Katie Dodd, this podcast helps older adults, caregivers, and healthcare professionals better understand nutrition in aging without the confusion or overwhelm. Each episode delivers simple, real-life strategies to support strength, independence, and quality of life. If you're looking for straightforward nutrition guidance that makes sense for aging, you're in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Dodd, MS, RDN, CSG, LD, FAND
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    The Geriatric Dietitian

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