Gaining Weight As You Age? Why?
6/10/2019
Written By: Ryan Chan |
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Have you face the situation where you have always been eating the same amount of food in your 20s and 30s and your weight doesn’t change. However, as you age further, you seem to be putting on some weight year after year.
There wasn’t any changes to your eating habit or lifestyle (what you thought), but you just keep gaining weight… Why?
It boils down to 2 main factor – Metabolism and Lifestyle.
There wasn’t any changes to your eating habit or lifestyle (what you thought), but you just keep gaining weight… Why?
It boils down to 2 main factor – Metabolism and Lifestyle.
Metabolism
As we age, the rate of muscle loss increases and knowing that the amount of lean muscle is directly proportional to metabolism, so will your metabolism drop.
Here’s an example:
Peter use to eat 1800 calories a day in his mid 20s. His metabolism at that time was 1800 calories, thus his weight is well maintained. However, as he enters his early 30s, he starts to lose his muscle mass at a faster rate. This results in his metabolism decreasing to 1750 calories. If he still eats 1800 calories a day, over time, that additional 50 calories surplus will add up and show in his weight. You might think that 50 calories surplus is very little. But if we multiply by a year, that is an extra 18250 calories which is equivalent to 5.2lb or 2.3kg. And that is how weight gain subtly happen as you age.
Here’s an example:
Peter use to eat 1800 calories a day in his mid 20s. His metabolism at that time was 1800 calories, thus his weight is well maintained. However, as he enters his early 30s, he starts to lose his muscle mass at a faster rate. This results in his metabolism decreasing to 1750 calories. If he still eats 1800 calories a day, over time, that additional 50 calories surplus will add up and show in his weight. You might think that 50 calories surplus is very little. But if we multiply by a year, that is an extra 18250 calories which is equivalent to 5.2lb or 2.3kg. And that is how weight gain subtly happen as you age.
Lifestyle
One may not have notice it but your lifestyle might have change as you age. You might have become more sedentary during work or at home. Your physical activity level might have reduced since you have less energy or time on your end as the amount of responsibility you hold increases. Or maybe, you are facing more stress in your life as compared to your carefree younger days. Whichever it is, all will lead to possible weight gain either through reduction of calories output or stress-induced weight gain.
Conclusion
Always remember to keep a healthy eating habit and exercise consistently. Make time to manage your stress level and invest in your own body for a long-term health and happiness.
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