Why Are We More Likely To Gain Weight As We Age?

Many individuals find that they tend to gain weight as they age. Moreover, maintaining the same weight which they probably had in their early adulthood might seem challenging despite no such major changes in their diet and lifestyle.

As we grow older, our bodies go through several changes, which make weight gain more likely. So, if you are in your 30s, 40s, or 50s and trying to lose weight or experiencing difficulty managing the results, the first step is to visit an experienced obesity doctor in Kolkata, like Dr. Amitabha Saha, who will help with personalised strategies according to your needs.

But let’s understand the science behind age-related weight gain among individuals.

Ageing And Obesity: How Are They Related?

• Slower metabolism: The very first reason why individuals gain weight as they age is a gradual slowdown of metabolism, meaning how efficiently the body converts food into energy. With age, the number of calories that are burnt at rest naturally decreases. This means that the body stores the calories as fat, which eventually increases weight.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes are yet another factor that plays a significant role in fat distribution and weight gain. Imbalances in certain hormones, like estrogen in women and testosterone in men, build belly fat mainly around the abdominal area. Addressing them requires guidance from an obesity doctor in Kolkata.
• Reduced physical activity: Most of us now lead a sedentary life. This is primarily because jobs are desk-based; busy schedules limit exercise, and recovery from fatigue after a workout also takes time. Even a small reduction in limiting physical activity results in a calorie surplus over time and leads to obesity.
• Increased stress: It is quite normal for stress levels to go up due to financial responsibilities and work pressure. Increased stress is linked to elevated cortisol hormone levels, which cause cravings for sugary or processed foods and abdominal fat storage.
• Underlying health conditions: Certain medications such as steroids, antidepressants, diabetes medications and high blood pressure medicines contribute to weight gain. Additionally, hypothyroidism also leads to obesity over time. Make sure to consult an obesity doctor to find out the exact cause.

Ways To Prevent Obesity

Dr. Amitabha Saha, a leading obesity doctor in Kolkata, lists the following preventive measures to prevent weight gain.

• Stay Physically Active
• Get Engaged in Weight Training Exercises
• Increase Protein Intake
• Manage Stress
• Prioritise Sleep

Most importantly, seek expert advice from a qualified healthcare provider who will assess your medical condition, lifestyle changes and metabolism rate to prepare a sustainable weight loss plan.

Final Words

Weight gain is not always about eating too much. It is due to the complex changes in the body with age. Nevertheless, with the right guidance and habits, it is possible to maintain a normal weight at any stage of life.