Middle Age Weight Gain : Strategies for Beating

For many women, forties are the time when the body goes haywire. Many even fail to identify the person standing on the other side of the mirror. From ageing skin to bulging weight, forties can bring along a storm. So, in this blog, I bring you some amazing tips to beat middle age weight gain.

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A clinical case of middle age weight gain

Recently, a 42-year-old came to my clinic. The lady narrated that she has been gaining rapid weight for the past two years. She looked anxious as she doubted its happening because of some disease!

My patient said she has been fit all her life! Even after delivery she banged back to shape just within six months. She showed me her diet diary and pointed out the consistency of her portions, and highlighted that there has not been a single instance of binge eating. 

Speaking of her physical activities, she said, she has been going for a walk every day ever since she hit her thirties. She also revealed that her only son has got admission in a reputed engineering college and her husband takes care of all finances. There was no sign of trouble in her sweet little paradise.

Further, she slept for 7 to 8 hours every night undisturbed. And hence she could not understand the reason of her bulging waist. She also underwent a complete health check-up a few days back.

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Identifying middle age weight gain

I checked her reports and told her that weight gain in the forties is more of an age and hormone related issue. In fact, research suggests that many people gain weight as they enter into their forties. Women especially tend to put up more weight at this age because of the premenopausal changes in their hormones.   

In the pre-menopause stage, the ovaries reduce the production of estrogen. With reduced estrogen, the body tends to retain fat thus leading to weight gain. So, what worked for your body before turning 40 may not work after you transit into the filthy forties.

Answering her questions of what could help her in losing weight. 

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Amazing tips to beat middle age weight gain

Here is what I recommended and what worked absolutely amazing in helping her lose weight:

This is a known fact that muscle mass decreases and fat accumulation increase with age. So, some form of intensive physical activity is crucial to help burn calories. 

Aerobic activity and strength training helps retaining muscle mass and shed the unwanted fats.

Focus more on the diet. As the candles in your cake increases, the calories in your plate need to decrease. However, you have to be cautious not to skimp on nutrition. 

Avoid eating in restaurants as you end up eating much more than intended. 

Chose your deserts wisely. Include lots of fruits and keep the calories in check.

Say no to alcohol as it’s a diuretic that tends to dehydrate your body and bulk you up. 

Drink enough water throughout the day and start your day with lukewarm water, lemon and honey.

Adding Amla to your daily diet has amazing anti-ageing effects.

Basil seeds are also very effective in weight loss.

Beetroot juice is another proven tip for weight loss.

Regular Meditation and Pranayama also helps in reversing the signs of ageing.

Takeaway!

Ageing is an inevitable process, but the signs of ageing can he handled naturally. Living a healthy, stress-free life is the first step to stop age. Stress is one of the biggest contributing factors of obesity.

Other mental issues like depression, fear, anxiety, empty nest can also impact your healthy choices. So, addressing your mental health becomes the prime healthcare need as you age.

In addition, timely sleep, disciplined diet and positivity also helps in combating age. Meditation, pranayama and living a simple life can work wonders!