Why Losing Weight Is So Challenging in Your 50s

Hitting the gym while young will pay you dividends as you get on in years

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aging and weight loss

You might have noticed that as the candles on your birthday cake increase every year, so do the inches around your waist. This could be the case even if you live a relatively active lifestyle. Losing weight in your 50s becomes increasingly hard.

Why Is Losing Weight Harder As We Age?

Losing Weight

The relationship between aging and weight is not a linear one. It becomes progressively harder to lose belly fat as you get on in years. Listed below are the top 5 reasons behind the stubborn persistence of your waist size during your golden years.

1Decrease in Muscle Mass

Once you’re past the age of 30, the amount of lean tissue including muscle mass decreases while body fat steadily climbs. According to Ensoul Body Medical Clinic, fat accumulates around our waists and even around our internal organs. This then slows down metabolism and the body is unable to burn calories at the same rate that it used to. If there is no decrease in caloric intake, it can lead to an increase in weight gain.

2Lifestyle Changes

Families and career responsibilities may contribute to sedentary lifestyles and weight gain. Even if you are fairly active, it becomes difficult to do higher intensity workouts as the body weakens. The chances of injury increase.

3Sleep Cycle

Lack of quality sleep or sleep deprivation has consistently been linked to weight gain. A study released by PubMed revealed that participants who were sleep-deprived had greater appetites. Lack of sleep may affect the hormones ghrelin and leptin, which increase appetite and inhibit hunger.

4Change in Hormones

In their 50s, men and women undergo dramatic biological and hormonal changes. Menopause, which occurs at 51 years old on average, is one of the major life changes for women. The decrease in estrogen can lead to fat deposits around the abdomen, hips, and thighs. According to a study, most women gain 2 to 5 pounds as their bodies transition into menopause. A slower metabolism and muscle loss are caused by testosterone deficiency in men.

5Stress

The stress hormone cortisol can increase your fat and carbohydrate metabolism. While this process is essential for survival, it also increases appetite. Cortisol levels can result in sweet, fatty, and salty cravings. As a result, you’re more likely to indulge in a bag of chips or fast food than a well-balanced meal when you’re stressed. As we age, our responsibilities and stressors typically increase.

Suggested: Destress Your Life

Is Exercising and Dieting Effective for Losing Weight in Your 50s?

Studies reveal that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or walking for 30 minutes a day can only maintain good health. Such moderate activities do not result in fat or weight loss in the 50s. Exercise and diet to create long-term results require an older person weighing 68 kilograms or 150 pounds to do brisk walking every day for a minimum of 90 minutes or running for 30 minutes, in order to lose weight.

Thus, if you’re in your 50s, exercise and diet alone aren’t effective for getting rid of stubborn fat. You may have to seek fat removal treatments to lose excess fat. If you have been exercising or are frustrated by the lack of results despite your efforts, these non-invasive treatments can help you get rid of unwanted fat much more quickly.

Also Read: Keto Tuna Casserole

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