Gaining weight over forty years old is a common phenomenon for men and women, and there are many reasons why it happens. For one, it could be all about genetics. No matter how many home workouts you do or how many times you hit the gym, your body may want to hold on to some fat. If that’s the case, there’s no need to feel bad. Each body functions differently, which means your body composition is different from other people.

Another reason you may struggle to lose weight once you hit forty is that your metabolism slows down as the body ages. It makes burning fat much harder to do, but not impossible. The body’s hormone production also starts to change at this age, which means fat is more prone to accumulate around the torso region.

If you’ve noticed some weight gain since turning forty and you want to lose weight, here are some things you can do:

Reevaluate Your Lifestyle

A lot of the things you did when you were younger may not fit your body’s current needs once you turn forty. That’s why it’s essential to reevaluate your lifestyle and make changes where it’s necessary. Some habits may not be serving you any longer. 

For example, if you’re prone to sleeping late, make an effort to set an earlier sleep schedule. If you like to drink or smoke a lot, you might have to cut back on your vices. As your body grows older, it becomes more and more prone to the negative consequences of poor lifestyle choices, which could aid in your weight gain.

Exercise More Often

Since your metabolism slows down as you get older, you will have to make more time to exercise. You could do home workouts or hire a trainer at a gym. One of the best ways to lose weight is to incorporate strength training into your workout routine.

Studies have shown that people lose muscle mass after turning forty years old. The body’s muscle fibres decline, and people’s motor skills become affected. That’s why it’s essential to keep an active lifestyle.

Cut Back on Junk Food

As you increase your time working out, you should also decrease the junk food you consume. Instead, focus on eating more protein, fibre, and nutrient-rich foods. The more you consume food with empty calories—like crisps, sweets, and sugary drinks—the more likely you’ll continue to gain weight.

Keeping a balanced diet of healthy food is one way to give your body the fuel it needs to function properly without aiding in your weight gain. You need to be mindful that your metabolism is significantly slower than when you were younger. If you want to avoid gaining body fat, you must change your diet to reflect that.

Final Thoughts

Gaining weight once you hit your forties is a natural process, and it’s something to expect. It’s not a bad thing either because your body could naturally be predisposed to hold onto more fat. However, if you want to lose body fat, you need to make the necessary changes. 

If you don’t want to hit the gym or have no budget for it, you can always keep a routine of home workouts. Couple that with a healthy diet and an overall better lifestyle, and you’ll soon find yourself shedding any unnecessary fat your body’s been holding on to for some time.

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