Many well-toned actresses accept that losing weight after turning 40 is rather difficult and demanding. Charlize Theron is one such actress, who gained over 50 pounds for a movie role and found it really difficult to lose all those extra pounds. Read on why losing weight is difficult as you turn older and know what you can do about the same. Well, most of us know that it is hard to lose weight as you grow old and that is just a fact of life.
What if you have crossed 40 and want to seriously shed some pounds? There might be various reasons behind your weight gain and probably, you might not be able to observe any change despite of all those grueling efforts. Possibilities are there that you would be recovering from any surgery or a procedure or having a weight-related problem. An injury might have interrupted your exercise routine and so on.
The reason why it is difficult to lose weight after you turn 40 is, in part, can be attributed to some genetic factors, according to a study. [1] Moreover, we tend to struggle more with reduced metabolism as we age. [2] For women, hormonal changes could make things worse if they are going through menopause. Lifestyle choices might also have a negative impact on the health of older men and women. Other reason can be reduced physical activity as compared to when they were younger.
If you are keeping these factors in mind, it somewhat becomes easy for you to lose weight. Susan Weiner, a registered dietitian and certified nutritionist, explains that people usually find it hard to believe that their weight has altered over time or more precisely, the proportions of weight distribution all over the body has dramatically changed; even if the reading on the weighing scale remains the same. She says that this actually happens.
Things To Watch Out For Losing Weight
The first step towards losing weight is identifying whether there is some easy fix for the situation or not. Weiner explains that you must recognize things that possibly affected the quantity of food you eat, number of times you eat and what you eat. These changes could be due to any major life events like change in job or relationship. Nutritional changes in your diet can seriously affect your weight.
Maybe, when you once used to eat with your friends, you were consuming more vegetables, but since when you have started eating alone, you are relying more on junk or unhealthy foods. Changes in sleep pattern also lead to significant weight gain over time. [3]
You might have observed no weight issues when you were younger and a hard-core night owl. Being at 40 or above and not being able to sleep sufficiently either due to parenting or a demanding job seems to be a big problem in achieving your ideal weight.
Weiner explains that people tend to eat when they are actually tired. Experts emphasize that what you eat also matters a lot when it is about losing weight. You must consume more protein, whole grains, vegetables, fruits and less saturated fats. Another big reason for your age-related weight gain could be that your joints are no longer up for those weekly basketball games, daily jogs or bike rides. To such people, Weiner suggests indulging in swimming.
Sarcopenia or the muscle tissue loss is a normal part of aging and begins at around the age of 40. Kristin Kirkpatrick, a registered dietitian, explains that we lose around 40% of our muscle mass between the age of 40 and 80. This in turn contributes to slower metabolism as the muscles burn more calories than burning fat. She recommends engaging in strength or resistance training to maintain the ideal muscle mass.
Weiner concludes that the best option is to have a workout buddy, ideally someone of your age. Not only this will allow you to feel more accountable for your exercise regimen but will also help you avoid unhealthy foods and being depressed. Together, you will be able to mentally support each other and learn to accept your bodies in a positive manner. She feels that if your weight is not causing any medical issue, then just a few extra pounds are okay. After all, this is how our life cycle goes on.
