Weight
Problems After 40
April 25, 2005
As we grow older, our body also ages. Our body is organic
as it changes, develops, and deteriorates as it ages.
Aging involves the process(es) that occurs during life
which culminate in changes that decrease an individual's
ability to handle biological challenges.
This makes one wonder that if the bodily processes
slow down, will it also affect our metabolic rate. Will
we grow fatter as we grow older if we continue to eat
the same amount of food? Does this mean that we can
gain weight just by getting older? As we age, our metabolism
slows down yearly. Part of the normal aging process
causes a loss of muscle mass, and since muscle is more
metabolically active than fat, the result is a decrease
in metabolic activity... meaning, you burn less calories.
Without changing your normal diet, your body requires
less to maintain it's current weight, so any excess
is stored as fat. It requires less energy to get itself
around the block, so it stores the calories for the
next ice age in neat little storage receptacles called
fat cells. We've evolved little, really, from our prehistoric
ancestors. That excess weight starts to gather 'round
your hips and stomach. This storing of excess fat can
make us susceptible to health hazards like type 2 diabetes
and heart disease.
Women are more vulnerable because aging is especially
difficult, when menopause hits. Hormonal changes may
influence how fat is stored and even influence appetite
and satiety. Studies point to an increased risk for
type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and some
cancers accompanying weight gain during and after menopause.
So what is the best way to avoid weight problems after
40? Ever heard that Prevention is better than cure ,
so implement it. Why wait for old age? Start today and
implement weight loss strategies now before aging causes
your bodily processes to slow down.
Source: http://www.ediets.com
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