Why Is Weight Loss More Difficult After 40?

If you’ve been struggling to lose weight, rest assured that you’re not alone. At least 30% of Americans are overweight and over 40% are considered obese.

Unfortunately, diet alone is often not enough to help you lose and keep off extra weight, especially as you age. Factors like lifestyle, your health profile, metabolism, genetics, hormones, and metabolism all play a role in your ability to lose weight — especially after age 40.

Our team of weight loss care professionals offer a range of medical weight loss programs and weight loss surgery at Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics in Atlanta, Georgia.

What makes weight loss more difficult after 40?

As you age, changes to your metabolism, hormone levels, and body composition and your overall health profile make it more difficult to lose weight. Even people who have never struggled with weight loss often find that they gain weight more easily after age 40.

Here are some of the most common factors that contribute to weight gain as you get older.

Changes to your metabolism

Metabolism (the rate at which your body burns calories while at rest) slows down with age, so you may gain weight even if your diet and activity levels remain the same.

Muscle mass loss

Muscle mass also tends to decrease with age. Muscle tissue burns more calories than fat tissue, so less muscle mass can make it more difficult to lose weight effectively. 

Hormones

As women go through menopause, hormonal fluctuations can lead to weight gain, especially around the abdomen and midsection.

Genetics

Genetic factors also play a role in your propensity to gain weight and how difficult it may be to lose it and keep it off. 

Diet and lifestyle

As you age, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is as important as ever. While you may have to make changes to adjust for changes in your metabolism and health, diet and exercise are the most effective tools against weight gain and obesity. 

Getting enough sleep and effectively managing stress are also crucial to your health.

Insulin sensitivity

Age-related changes in insulin sensitivity can lead to reduced glucose tolerance and an increased risk of developing insulin resistance. This can contribute to weight gain and make it harder to manage blood sugar levels.

Weight loss is possible at every age

While losing weight can be more difficult as you age or experience changes to your health and lifestyle, it’s never too late and you’re never too old to take control of your health and maintain a healthy weight. 

If you’re struggling to lose weight, we can help. For more information about medical weight loss services and the weight loss surgery options available at Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics, contact us today to schedule an appointment with a weight loss specialist at our office in Atlanta.