Is it becoming harder and harder to lose weight permanently? Are you acquiring weight although you are eating the same or even less? That s a result of becoming older. I have many clients writing in and telling me “I’m just eating what I’ve used to eat”. Some might say, that’s self deception, it can’t be the case. But, unfortunately, it is really true.
If a 20 year old women used to eat 2000 calories a day and stayed slim, she might have a surplus of 150 calories per day at age 40. That’s how much the metabolism slows down with age.
The endocrine system of women makes it more and more harder to lose weight permanently after 40. There is a delicate balance of several hormones that’ s easily getting disturbed. And menopause is a time with many hormonal changes, leading to greater risk in gaining weight
Isn t easier to resolve a problem when you know what causes it? So let s understand these hormonal changes.
There are two groups of hormones responsible for your weight and your figure: the sex hormones (especially estrogens) and the thyroid hormones. The typical female figure is a result of estrogens: They form bust, thighs, belly and backside, slim the waist and soften the skin. And: A high level of Estrogens scales down the appetite.
So estrogens are great to lose weight permanently and keep it off for good. But, as you know, the estrogen production slows down with increased age, making it harder to keep fat off. You’re compelled to eat more, while, at the same time, your body’s fat storage systems are getting increased capacity. This combination is tough and that’s why many women over 40 have a hard time to lose weight permanently.
Another important hormone is DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), used by the body to manufacture numerous other hormones. DHEA prevents surplus calories from being stored as fat these calories are burnt instead. After age 40, the levels of DHEA and estrogens are decreased. For women over 40 this makes it tougher to lose weight permanently.
Thyroid hormones contribute to digestion and metabolism. We feel energetic and are in a positive mood if the thyroid gland works the right way. But: The thyroid is very sensitive and disruptions affect the whole body.
The hormone system changes after menopause, what results in changes in the body. The size of fat cells under the skin increases because these fat cells fill up. And, at the same time, the collagen production is decreased too so your tissue is not as firm as it used to be. Patches of fat might show up on your body, while the decreased estrogen levels increases your appetite. The level of thryoid hormones is often decreased in women over 40 too, what might lead to reduced metabolism.
All of these effects make it harder for women over 40 to lose weight permanently. However, you can achieve healthy weight loss using natural ways to lose weight permanently. You might consider a specialized program helping you getting to the weight you want.
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