Understanding Weight Gain With Age: Why Obesity Becomes More Common?

Obesity is a common problem which affects millions of people worldwide. It has become a significant health concern. There are many factors which play an important role in gaining and retaining excess weight such as diet, lack of physical activity, stress, medications and genetics. However, age is a neglected cause, which has increased the prevalence of obesity among individuals. With age, people become more susceptible to developing various chronic illnesses. If an individual is obese, then the risk for major health conditions increases even more, which can at times lead to death.

But why do individuals gain weight when they grow older? Let’s find the answer from a reputed internal medicine & critical care medicine specialist known for providing the best obesity treatment in Kolkata.

Why Do People Put On Weight As They Age?

As a person grows older, there are changes in the body composition, metabolism and health behaviours. Understanding these fluctuations in the body is essential in seeking treatment and for prevention strategies. Below are the common reasons that contribute to age-related weight gain.

• Reduced metabolism rate: The metabolism rate of an individual slows down when they get older. Though they can eat the same diet and engage in the same amount of exercise as their younger self, their body’s ability to burn calories decreases. As a result, as we age, we gain weight and lose muscles.
• Hormonal Changes: Obesity due to hormonal changes is most common in women. During menopause, there is less production of estrogen in the body which leads to the accumulation of fat, especially in the abdominal area. Similarly for men, when the testosterone level goes down below normal, it causes slow metabolism, which eventually paves the way for stubborn fat in the body, that generally does not go away even after obesity treatment.
• Change in body composition: Due to metabolic slowdown, there is also a shift in the body composition. One of the notable changes one can notice is a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in the fat muscles, especially the visceral fat near the abdominal area, which leads to weight gain. In that case, even if there is no such change in your weight, there will be a higher percentage of fat in your body due to uneven fat distribution.
• Lifestyle changes: Living a sedentary life with poor dietary choices is very common among older people. Due to health issues or mobility problems, older people physically become less active. Also, they experience a change in appetite or have poor nutritional intake which causes a difference between calories consumed and calories burnt, leading to weight gain.
• Medications: There are some medications which are prescribed for age-related health issues. These medicines have side effects like decreased metabolism that promote weight gain.

Wrapping Up

If you are someone who is gaining more rapid and unexpected weight gain with age, it is advisable to consult a trained physician like Dr. Amitabha Saha, who has more than 22 years of experience in giving obesity treatment in Kolkata. Before proceeding with the treatment plan, he examines the underlying cause that is contributing to your weight gain. Based on the exact reason, he will guide and support you in your healthy weight journey.