The way your metabolism functions may be the main reason why you cannot lose weight like you used to or you keep gaining weight. The truth is that aging can slow down your metabolism, thus making the process of losing weight more difficult. Continue reading to find out how your metabolism changes as well as how it makes weight loss more difficult as you age.
HOW DOES YOUR METABOLISM WORK?
Your metabolism plays an important role in your weight loss as it helps take food and convert it into energy. In case you have a high metabolic rate, then you can actually burn calories more quickly when you are resting compared to those who have a lower metabolic rate. Keep in mind that your resting metabolism is the amount of energy your body needs to complete the basics. But, in case you have a lower metabolic rate, you cannot make your metabolism go faster. In such a case, you should support that process by making certain changes in your diet and lifestyle.
How Does Your Age Affect Your Metabolism?
IN YOUR TWENTIES:
Your body does not stop growing when you stop being a teenager. In fact, your body is still developing in your twenties, particularly your muscles and bones. Moreover, the growth boosts your resting metabolism, i.e., the kind of metabolism that functions even when you aren’t active, such as when you are sleeping or sitting. So, this process helps your body burn calories even when you are aren’t active.
IN YOUR THIRTIES AND FORTIES:
Aging can slow down your metabolism, even if it works more quickly than it does for other people. Namely, as you age, the amount of fat that your body stores elevates, whereas the muscles that support your bones become smaller. That’s why you are experiencing muscle loss and muscle weakness in your thirties.
Research has proven that this muscle mass change plays a vital role in the metabolic rate change. If your metabolism slows down, then your body requires a reduced amount of energy. This means you also require less food. But, in case you eat more than your body actually requires, your metabolism will be unable to transform this fuel into energy, so that your body will start storing it in form of fat. Furthermore, the fat produced through this process often ends up in your abdominal area.
IN YOUR FIFTIES AND SIXTIES:
You can also experience metabolic changes due to menopause. Researchers have found that women who go through menopause experience difficulty metabolizing fat, so that their body could store more fat after menopause.
2 EFFECTIVE METHODS THAT HELP STIMULATE YOUR METABOLISM
You can actually delay the aging process by following a healthy, balanced diet and getting regular exercise.
– Include Whole Foods in Your Diet
Opt for whole foods high in minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients. Minimize your consumption of refined and processed foods to prevent weight gain. Even though eating junk foods can give you a quick solution to hunger, eating whole foods can keep you feeling fuller longer while improving your body’s ability to burn fat.
– Stay Physically Active
As your metabolism replaces your muscle mass loss with body fat, you should get regular exercise in order to strengthen your muscles. In addition, a 6-month study showed that postmenopausal women that incorporated some simple exercises in their weight loss plan had faster metabolism compared to those who didn’t get any exercise during the study period.
In order to strengthen your upper back muscles, you should practice planking exercises. Also, in order to strengthen your lower back muscles and glutes, you should practice backwards running.
