The two contributing factors for weight gain later in life is decreased metabolic rate and decreased amounts of physical activity. The body's metabolic rate slows down after the age of 30 years old. This means that food is not converted to energy as quickly and is more likely to be stored as fat. Amounts of physical activity can also decrease with age, without a decrease in the amount of food consumed per day. This means that the calories you put in is not used up and is more likely to be stored as fat.
For women, menopause causes an increase in fat stores and decrease in lean muscle mass. During premenopause, fat is stored around the lower body on the hips and buttocks. The storage of fat in the lower body acts as an energy reserve in case of pregnancy. During perimenopause and menopause, lower levels of estrogen in the body causes fat to be stored around the abdomen and upper body.
Weight gain left unchecked can cause the body to become overweight. Being overweight can increase the risks of health problems such as:
- high blood pressure
- high blood cholesterol
- blood vessel and heart disease
- heart attack
- stroke
- type 2 diabetes
- osteoarthritis
In order to maintain your weight as you grow older, most people need to eat less and exercise more. Learn tips for diet and eating habits that can help reduce and reverse weight gain later in life.
All rights reserved.
