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How To Lose Weight After 40

Once you reach a certain age, it feels like it’s increasingly difficult to lose weight. It especially feels that way by the time you are in your 40s. However, in reality, you can lose weight no matter what your age. You may have to fight the battle of the bulge a little harder than younger people, but it is always possible to lose weight after 40.

Resting Metabolic Rate

One thing that many people don’t realize is that even when they are sitting or lying down, calories are still burning. The rate at which calories are burned while in such positions is known as resting metabolic rate. When you age, your metabolism tends to decrease by around five percent for each decade you age past the age of 40. This means that once you reach 40, you will have to concentrate on maintaining your weight and not gaining more. As a result, eating 100 calories less per day is necessary, as it affects your resting metabolic rate.

Other Factors

At the same time, metabolism is not the only factor that comes into play with losing weight past 40. You have a busy life and are dealing with work, your children, parents and other family members. Unless you are constantly playing athletic games with your kids, you may become more sedentary and not have enough time to focus on being physically active.

Metabolism Factors

Metabolism is based on three factors – genetics, thyroid function and dramatic lifestyle changes. Women are more likely than men to have thyroid problems, which are more likely to manifest after the age of 40. Lifestyle changes such as becoming more sedentary can affect one’s metabolism as a result of muscle mass loss, an issue that strikes individuals in their 40s.

Fish or Fish Supplements

Having two servings of fish per week or taking fish oil supplements on a daily basis is a great way to stay healthy after the age of 40. Fish is lean and can prevent risk of heart disease and even breast cancer. It is also a good option when you are trying to lose weight.

More Fruits and Veggies

Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. A nice garden salad with plenty of greens, tomatoes, beans and berries with a light sprinkle of olive oil and vinegar is a heartier lunch than you might think. It keeps you energized and feeling fuller longer due to all the healthy ingredients. Anyone can benefit from more fruits and vegetables, but for people over 40, it is crucial toward losing or maintaining weight.

Be More Active

People in their 40s need to be more active than their younger counterparts. This is especially true for keeping healthy in general in addition to when wanting to lose or even maintain weight. Loss of muscle mass occurs in women double the amount as it does in men in the same age range. A simple workout with dumbbells can increase your metabolism as improving muscle mass can burn between 35 to 50 calories of fat per day.

In doing your part, you can ensure that just because you’re age 40 or older, it doesn’t mean you have to let nature take its course. It is definitely possible to lose weight at your age and beyond.