Nov 28, 2010 Tracy Rose
Slow Metamolism Cuases Midlife Weight Gain - Rob Owen-Wahl
Aging adults often complain about their growing midsection. Belly fat increases as we enter middle age. According to WebMD, adults gain 1-2 pounds per year during this stage of life. Poor habits and changing hormones may be to blame for the midlife weight gain many people experience. As metabolism slows and muscle mass is lost, it become harder to maintain weight, let alone lose weight. “The goal should be to decrease body fat and optimize bone strength,” said Kathleen Doheny.
Why Do We Have a Midlife Weight Gain?
Decreased hormone levels and a slower metabolism contribute to midlife weight gain. As fewer calories are burned, belly fat increases. It becomes more difficult to build or maintain bones and muscle mass. Furthermore, our habits change as we age and we become less active. As we work less, perform fewer tasks around the house and yard and workout less, our bodies adjust to a more sedentary lifestyle.
Is Menopause to Blame for Midlife Weight Gain?
Though lifestyle changes and obesity genes can't be ignored, menopause does affect a woman's weight. Woman typically gain 12-15 pounds during menopause. The Mayo Clinic states “The hormonal changes of menopause may make you more likely to gain weight around your abdomen, rather than your hips and thighs.”
Changing hormones through off the body's balance. As ovaries produce less estrogen, the body looks elsewhere to fill the void, including fat cells. Testosterone levels drop, causing a slower metabolism. Some women often become insulin resistant during menopause, as well.
Midlife Weight Gain Affects Your Health
Weight gain and reduced strength affects quality of life and overall health. Midlife weight gain can also cause more health problems later in life, including diabetes, heart disease, cancer, high cholesterol high blood pressure or stroke.
The Cure for Midlife Weight Gain
Preserving and building muscle mass is critical for preventing midlife weight gain. Its important to stay active and strong. Physical activity is the best way to protect muscle mass and keep your metabolism fired up. Despite aging, you can increase your metabolism by eating frequent small meals, doing some form of cardio most days of the week and incorporating weight training into your workout a few days a week.
Restoring hormonal balance to the body is equally important for losing weight during menopause. Have your thyroid checked to make sure it is functioning properly and not deterring your weight loss efforts. Gain control over the stress in your life and keep your emotional health in check to avoid midlife weight gain.
Resources:
Mayo Clinic. “Menopause Weight Gain: Stop the Middle Age Spread.”
WedMD. “Is Weight Gain Common During Menopause?” Wendy C. Fries.
WedMD. “Fighting Midlife Weight Gain,” Kathleen Dohney.
Women to Women. “Perimenopause Weight Gain – Causes and Solutions,” Marcy Holmes.
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