Metabolism slows down
In a large study of the Relationship Between Basal Metabolic Rate, Gender, Age, and Body Composition in 8,780 White Obese Subjects. 2010 tested more than 8 thousand people of different ages and found that in adults after 40 years, basal metabolism decreases by 3.1–3.3%.
This means that the body burns 50–60 fewer calories per day at rest. This doesn't seem like much, but if you don't change your level of physical activity and your diet, you could gain three kilograms in a year.
What to do about it
You need to reconsider your diet and reduce your calorie intake. If you want to lose weight, reduce the amount of fast carbohydrates, at least approximately count the calories you consume and try not to exceed the daily allowance.
What diseases cause weight gain. Medical reasons for weight gain
Sharp weight gain in women does not happen just like that; there are always reasons that contribute to a change in figure for the worse. There are many factors that give rise to a rapid gain of extra pounds: from poor nutrition to disruptions in the functioning of the body, this most often occurs in women after 30.
But the main reasons are the following:
- A sedentary lifestyle is the most common factor affecting a woman's figure. Many women spend most of their time sitting. Because of this, the body does not consume the calories received and simply stores them. Because of this, young girls accumulate extra pounds more slowly than women over 30. But they still accumulate.
- Poor nutrition. About 8 out of 10 people eat poorly. Not only do some people eat only 3 or even 2 times a day, they also eat junk food. And naturally this affects the figure.
- Hormonal imbalance, this happens most often after 30. With hormonal imbalance, an increase in body weight occurs, even with an active lifestyle and proper nutrition. Therefore, if unreasonable weight gain occurs, you should immediately contact a specialist. Since neither diets nor grueling workouts will help you get rid of extra pounds. And hormonal imbalance is a sign of disturbances in the functioning of the body.
- A malfunction of the thyroid gland always provokes a sharp increase in weight. The failure occurs in both young girls and women after 30. In addition to causeless weight gain, symptoms of thyroid dysfunction include deterioration in the appearance of nails, hair and skin, and a constant feeling of cold. If a woman has these symptoms, she should immediately contact an endocrinologist. Since disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland can lead to serious consequences.
- Accumulation of large amounts of fluid in the body. The human body consists of 80% liquid, and it is necessary for human life. However, sometimes it accumulates too much. Fluid accumulates in and between the cells, causing swelling and cellulite. Typically, swelling goes away quickly and does not affect the person’s condition. But if this happens too often, then you need to check your kidneys and heart.
- Medicines and antidepressants. Sudden weight gain often occurs due to taking various medications. Typically, rapid weight gain occurs with long-term use. And when you stop taking them, the weight quickly returns to normal. If medications need to be taken for several years, then you should find out about the possibility of replacing them with analogues that do not have such side effects.
- Psychological reasons. Constant stress and depression affect each person differently. Some people gain weight sharply under stress, while others, on the contrary, lose weight very quickly. A sharp increase in weight during stress is due to the fact that a person tries to suppress his emotions with food. And with depression, a person feels empty and looks for a way to fill this emptiness, and many use food to do this.
Excess weight does not bring anything good to its owner. It only causes suffering and discomfort. However, it can signal to us that there are objective reasons in the body for such sudden changes that can be dangerous. After all, any disease whose early symptoms fit within the framework of weight gain is better to be cured earlier, long before the critical stage. If you have such symptoms, you need to immediately run to the doctor; no one else can make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
Muscle mass is lost
After 50 years, muscle mass decreases very quickly - up to 15% per year. However, the process of losing muscle and strength begins after the third decade. According to the study Strength and muscle mass loss with aging process. Age and strength loss. 2013, the difference in the amount of muscle mass in people under 40 and after 40 years is from 16.6 to 40.9%.
Age-related changes, lack of physical activity, decreased testosterone levels - all this negatively affects the amount of muscle mass, but the body spends a lot of calories on its maintenance. By losing muscle, you further reduce your metabolism and increase your chance of gaining extra pounds.
What to do
If you haven't exercised yet, now is the time to start. Strength training combined with a high protein intake will help you maintain and increase muscle mass.
Why do people get fat after 40 and how to fix it
Some people begin to gain weight after 40 years of age, despite the fact that their diet and level of physical activity do not change.
Even if you are still active, the aging process has already begun in your body: your metabolism slows down, the amount of muscle mass and some hormones important for maintaining a good figure decrease. Let's look at the reasons for excess weight and tell you how to deal with it.
Metabolism slows down
In a large-scale study in 2010, more than 8 thousand people of different ages were tested and found that in adults after 40 years, basal metabolism decreases by 3.1–3.3%.
This means that the body burns 50–60 fewer calories per day at rest. This doesn't seem like much, but if you don't change your level of physical activity and your diet, you could gain three kilograms in a year.
What to do about it
You need to reconsider your diet and reduce your calorie intake. If you want to lose weight, reduce the amount of fast carbohydrates, at least approximately count the calories you consume and try not to exceed the daily allowance.
Remember that even small changes lead to big results in the long run. By cutting 60 to 100 calories from your diet and eating healthier, you'll be laying a solid foundation for staying fit for years to come.
Muscle mass is lost
After 50 years, muscle mass decreases very quickly - up to 15% per year. However, the process of losing muscle and strength begins after the third decade. According to a 2013 study, the difference in the amount of muscle mass between people under 40 and after 40 ranges from 16.6 to 40.9%.
Age-related changes, lack of physical activity, decreased testosterone levels - all this negatively affects the amount of muscle mass, but the body spends a lot of calories on its maintenance. By losing muscle, you further reduce your metabolism and increase your chance of gaining extra pounds.
What to do
If you haven't exercised yet, now is the time to start. Strength training combined with a high protein intake will help you maintain and increase muscle mass.
Hormonal levels change
In women after 35 years of age, there is a decline in estrogen production, which eventually leads to menopause and the onset of menopause. And while too much estrogen promotes fat storage, too little estrogen is also bad for your weight. The transition to postmenopause is characterized by an increase in the amount of abdominal fat and levels of glucose and insulin.
In men, testosterone levels decrease after 30, but this becomes especially noticeable after 40 years. According to a 1991 study, after age 39, free testosterone (not bound to protein) levels in men decline by about 1.2% each year.
Depression, decreased libido, loss of muscle mass and increased body fat are all signs of decreased testosterone levels.
What to do
Check your thyroid gland, the organ directly involved in hormone production. About 20% of women over 40 years old suffer from thyroid problems. If you feel sluggish and are gaining weight for no obvious reason, ask your doctor about getting a hormone balance test. Hormone therapy may help you avoid weight gain.
In addition, there are natural ways to increase testosterone: strength training, a high-protein diet without consuming sugar, and avoiding stress.
It's possible to stay fit after 40, especially if healthy eating and exercise are part of your lifestyle. And although time is against you, you may well look better at 40 than you did at 30.
Source: https://Lifehacker.ru/pochemu-tolsteyut-posle-40/
Hormonal levels change
In women after 35 years of age, there is a decline in estrogen production, which eventually leads to menopause and the onset of menopause. And while too much estrogen promotes fat storage, too little estrogen is also bad for your weight. The transition to the postmenopausal period is characterized by The emergence of the metabolic syndrome with menopause. an increase in the amount of abdominal fat and levels of glucose and insulin.
In men, testosterone levels decrease after 30, but this becomes especially noticeable after 40 years. According to the study Testosterone and Aging: Clinical Research Directions. 1991, in men after 39 years of age, free testosterone levels (not bound to proteins) decrease by about 1.2% each year.
Depression, decreased libido, loss of muscle mass and increased body fat are all signs of decreased testosterone levels.
What to do
Check your thyroid gland, the organ directly involved in hormone production. About 20% of women over 40 years old suffer from thyroid problems. If you feel sluggish and are gaining weight for no obvious reason, ask your doctor about getting a hormone balance test. Hormone therapy may help you avoid weight gain.
In addition, there are natural ways to increase testosterone: strength training, a high-protein diet without consuming sugar, and avoiding stress.
It's possible to stay fit after 40, especially if healthy eating and exercise are part of your lifestyle. And although time is against you, you may well look better at 40 than you did at 30.
Why do women gain weight after 40?
• Hormonal imbalance
This is the most obvious reason why women begin to gain weight after 40 years of age. This is the stage of perimenopause when the ovaries reduce estrogen production. As estrogen levels decrease, the body tends to store fat, leading to weight gain.
• Decreased progesterone levels
As women approach menopause, the body reduces progesterone production. While this doesn't cause you to gain fat, it does promote bloating and water retention, which increases your weight and causes shock when you weigh yourself.
• Increased appetite
Thanks to changes in your hormone levels, you will have an increased appetite and constant hunger. This will make you eat more than usual and as we all know, overeating is one of the main reasons for weight gain.
• Aging
One of the downsides of aging is a slower metabolism. Unfortunately, every woman faces this problem. Once your metabolism slows down, your body burns fewer calories and fat accumulates in the abdominal area.
• Insulin resistance
After crossing 40, if your diet consists of white sugar and processed foods, your body's cells will become resistant to insulin. This causes your body to store fat, leading to weight gain. Of course, this is something to worry about since insulin resistance leads to type 2 diabetes.
• Stress
As women age, they have to cope with more stress. They worry about their children, their retirement, and perhaps their health. When you are stressed, your adrenal glands will produce cortisol to combat stress. Unfortunately, while your body is able to cope with stress, cortisol prevents weight loss, so most efforts to lose those extra pounds are in vain!
• Lack of appropriate physical activity
Most women over 40 do not engage in vigorous physical activity, which can help them burn calories and reduce body fat. Due to low-intensity exercise and physical activity, they gain weight like never before. This is another good reason for weight gain at this age.
• Poor nutrition
Women are busy managing different aspects of their lives, and many tend to skip meals or don't pay attention to what they eat. As a result, they overeat or consume large portions, which usually cause them to gain weight in no time.
• Medications
Many women face health problems after age 40 and start taking prescription medications. There are several prescription medications that cause people to gain weight. These include antidepressants and corticosteroids.
