As we get older, it seems like it gets harder and harder just to get out of bed in the morning, let alone to lose weight. But is that really true? The science says that it is. According to recent studies, we tend to gain 1-2 pounds per year as we age. But why is that? And more importantly, what can we do about it?
Metabolism
Your metabolism is the key to burning fat. With age, our metabolisms tend to slow down. Even if you’re an active person, your body won’t burn the excess calories as quickly as it did when you were younger.
Inactive Lifestyle
If you’re not an active person, you’ll likely have even more trouble losing weight. Many jobs require you to be sitting at a desk all day. This sedentary lifestyle can be a sneaky cause of weight gain.
Hormonal Changes
As we reach middle age, our bodies begin to change—especially our hormones. Women begin going through menopause and testosterone levels drop for men. Both estrogen and testosterone help regulate our metabolisms, so this can be yet another contributing factor to weight gain.
Medications
There’s nothing wrong with medication, and as we get older, it’s inevitable that we’ll have to take some. Unfortunately, they often come with side effects like weight gain. Some of the most common medications that cause weight gain are: antihistamines, blood pressure medications, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, steroids, and antipsychotics.
Takeaway
While gaining weight is a very common symptom of getting older, it doesn’t mean we should give up on trying to live a healthy lifestyle. Eating healthy foods and maintaining a regular exercise routine are even more important as we age. If you need help creating a weight loss plan that’s right for you or just want some encouragement along the way, contact your local Options clinic. We’d love to help.