Women, Weight Gain and Aging: What’s Going On?
The 40s are very different from the 30s, and the 50s are very different from the 40s as far as your metabolism. Most people find achieving weight loss seems to get harder and harder. Remember when you were in your 20s? You could go out dining and drinking and still not gain weight!
With menopause you may find your waist expands a bit, your muscles lose their tone and you get new fat deposits. Researchers have yet to uncover the reason for these physical changes, but suspect that rapidly shifting hormones affect your body’s makeup.
While the factors that lead to weight gain as we age are the same for men and women (with the exception of menopause) national health data shows that men over age 65 are slightly more likely than women to be overweight.
Here are some of the contributing factors to your unwanted weight gain.
You’re burning less energy. As you get older you don’t need as many calories. Part of that is a little bit slower metabolism, and part is you’re not rushing around as much. Learning to adjust your diet to your body’s changing needs is a gradual process. Switch to smaller portions and sharing at restaurants.
You’re less active. Many people find they have less energy as they age and life is less demanding than it was in earlier years. Eating a diet which emphasises fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats will keep you full and give you energy to exercise.
How to Fight Back!
A study of weight gain prevention showed that women who maintained a healthy weight over a three-year period were more likely to:
- Carefully monitor food intake
- Avoid a loss of control of their diet (binging, for example)
- Not feel hungry
The strategies for combating weight gain as you age are the same you’ve used before:
Count your calories
- Eat a hunger-busting diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole gains and healthy fats
- Be physically active at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week (more if possible)
Aging doesn’t mean you are destined for weight gain – just step up your diet and exercise routine to stay on track!
Everyday Health | Dec 2009
