Maintaining a moderate weight is important for people of all ages, but it is even more vital as people age. For various reasons, many people may find it more difficult to lose weight after the age of 50. However, it is still important for older people to maintain a moderate weight. This article looks at 20 ways a person can safely lose weight and maintain a moderate weight after turning 50.
Why is it harder to lose weight after 50?
Why might it be more difficult for a person to lose weight once they reach age 50? These factors range from health problems that are more likely to occur with age to the effect of certain medications. Additionally, one of the effects of aging can be a slower metabolism, which can also contribute to weight gain and difficulty losing weight.
20 ways to lose weight after 50
Here are some ways to lose weight and keep it off after age 50.
1. Move more
The underlying principle of weight loss is to burn more calories than you consume. Some research has linked sedentary lifestyles to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, obesity, and poorer overall health. An important factor in the sedentary life of many people is having a job that involves spending a lot of time sitting. As an office worker, driver or cashier.
However, studies suggest that by taking short breaks every half hour, people can reduce the time they spend sitting and potentially improve their overall health.
2. Get enough sleep
Numerous studies have suggested a link between lack of good-quality sleep and obesity. More specifically, they suggest that there is a correlation between short sleep duration and poor sleep quality and an increased risk of developing obesity. It’s important to make sure you get enough and good quality sleep so you don’t risk becoming obese.
3. Don’t skip meals
It may seem like a good idea to skip meals to reduce your calorie intake, but it can actually be detrimental to weight loss. Some studies suggest a link between skipping breakfast and obesity. Which means there is a high risk that this habit will lead a person to gain weight instead of losing it.
4. Strategy while traveling
When commuting, try to park further away from your workplace or get off public transport one stop before your usual stop. All of these can help someone move more and exercise more without much effort. The extra calories the person burns can help them maintain a moderate weight.
5. Exercise
According to some research, finding an exercise they enjoy may be the key to keeping a person engaged in it for the long haul. Whether it’s yoga, weight training or tennis, the enjoyment of exercise can help keep a person engaged and feel less like work and more like play.
6. Team up
Consider recruiting a friend who shares the same goals. Some studies show that having a social aspect of weight loss can often help people stick to their plans and maintain a moderate weight more than if they went it alone.
7. Switch up snacks
Instead of reaching for sugary foods when you’re hungry, you can try reaching for healthier snacks like nuts. Some studies suggest that eating healthy servings of nuts on a regular basis has no impact on body weight. While snacking on sugary foods is more likely to lead to weight gain.
8. Set realistic goals
It is important that a person not try to lose too much weight too quickly or push themselves too hard to achieve unrealistic fitness goals. Failure to achieve ambitious goals could lead to discouragement. You are less likely to stick with your diet and exercise regimen if you don’t immediately see the results you hoped for. It is best to achieve these ideal goals by setting smaller, more realistic goals along the way.
9. Lift weights
Some studies suggest that the aging process leads to loss of muscle mass and strength. This means that weight lifting and strength training may be beneficial for older people to help them maintain a moderate body weight. Weight lifting also promotes strong bones. This can help prevent injury, making it easier for a person to stick to their exercise routine.
10. Use fitness technologies
With a pedometer or smart watch, a person can keep track of their daily steps. Tracking their steps can help a person feel more motivated when they see their daily steps increase over time. Step tracking can also help people calculate how many calories they burn per day, so they can accurately calculate their calorie needs for weight loss. To learn more about step tracking and how it can help with weight loss, click here.
11. Bet on protein
Some studies show that eating more protein when trying to lose weight can help older people lose more fat and retain more muscle mass than if they ate a low-protein diet.
12. Less stress
Researchers have linked high stress to food cravings and overeating. People dealing with high levels of stress may eat to feel comfortable, which can make it difficult to lose weight. Stress also causes the body to produce the hormone cortisol. Researchers have linked high cortisol levels with weight gain, particularly in the abdomen and face. Reducing stress levels can help a person maintain a moderate weight.
13. Stock up on fruits and vegetables
Observational studies suggest that eating more fruits and vegetables is linked to better muscle function. Fruits and vegetables are not only mostly low in calories, but also contain many essential nutrients to help the body function better. They can help reduce the risk of many conditions.
14. Opt for whole grains
One way to lose more weight is to cook with healthy ingredients. For example, instead of opting for processed foods, one should choose whole grains. Some studies suggest that eating whole grains can significantly reduce total energy intake and body weight in overweight adults.
15. Hire a personal trainer
Lack of motivation can prevent someone from losing weight after age 50, but hiring a personal trainer can help. Personal trainers can train people and also advise them on the best methods to lose weight. However, hiring a personal trainer can also be expensive. If that’s not an option, try finding a trainer who posts videos on YouTube and follow them instead. It is usually free.
16. Do yoga
Some research suggests that gentle forms of exercise can help a person lose weight. Low-impact exercises, such as tai chi, yoga, and Pilates, can be beneficial for people who want to lose weight but are unable to participate in other forms of exercise.
17. Eat mindfully
Often people eat while doing other things. Whether it’s eating at the office or watching TV at mealtimes, concentrating on something else while eating can lead to overeating. This is because you are less likely to focus on your feelings and may continue eating after feeling full. Mindful eating can be an effective method to lose weight.
18. Eliminate sugary drinks
Consuming sugary carbonated drinks like sodas, or even “healthy” drinks like store-bought shakes, can mean you’re drinking a lot more sugar than you think. This can make it difficult to lose weight. Some studies point to a link between high-sugar drinks and a number of conditions, including fatty liver disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. One can opt for water or herbal teas to stay hydrated while losing weight.
19. Eat fewer prepared or restaurant meals
It can be difficult to know what goes into a meal if people are eating out. This is because restaurant dishes can contain hidden ingredients and extra fats and sugars that people don’t take into account. By staying at home and cooking more, one can be sure of what is going on in meals, and therefore in the body.
20. Get tested
If a person is still having trouble losing weight after age 50, it may be worth seeing a medical professional for a checkup.
A doctor may order tests to rule out any underlying conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome or any thyroid problems.
Sources
Asgari-Taee, F., et al. (2019). Association of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: systematic review and meta-analysis [Abstract].
Aune, D., et al. (2017). Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer, and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies.
Becuti, G., et al. (2011). sleep and obesity
Cai, X., et al. (2016). Pedometer intervention and weight loss in overweight and obese adults with type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis.
Dunn, C., et al. (2018). Mindfulness Approaches and Weight Loss, Weight Maintenance, and Weight Regain [Abstract].
Flores-Mateo, G., et al. (2013). Nut intake and adiposity: meta-analysis of clinical trials [Abstract].
Foster, C., et al. (2015). The effects of high intensity interval training versus steady state training on aerobic and anaerobic capacity.
Granic, A., et al. (2020). Myoprotective whole foods, muscle health, and sarcopenia: a systematic review of observational and intervention studies in older adults.
Keller, K., et al. (2013). Loss of strength and muscle mass with the aging process. Age and loss of strength.
Kim, J.E., et al. (2016). Effects of dietary protein intake on changes in body composition after weight loss in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [Abstract].
* HealthKey strives to convey health knowledge in a language accessible to all. In NO EVENT can the information provided replace the opinion of a health professional.
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