The Aging Metabolism: How to Adjust Your Weight Loss Strategy

As you age, maintaining your weight and staying fit becomes more challenging. The demands of adulthood—like balancing work, raising children, managing a household, and nurturing relationships—add to the difficulty. Combined with natural changes in metabolism and physical abilities, these responsibilities can make weight loss feel overwhelming. So, approaching weight management differently is key. Let's explore how your body changes with age, and why a different approach to losing weight may be necessary.

Physical changes

1. Loss of collagen

Collagen controls the elasticity of your skin, so a loss of collagen leads to wrinkles and the ability to keep skin tight even when losing weight. It's a natural by-product of an aging metabolism.

2. Loss of muscle

As you age, your hormone levels change, reducing your ability to produce the same level of protein your body needs to maintain or build muscle. With less muscle mass, your body burns less calories.

3. Joint pain 

As you age, the cartilage between your joints, which reduces friction between bones, may gradually weaken or wear down. This may inhibit mobility and physical activity.

Workouts to add to your routine

Finding a new workout regimen when you’re at a different stage in your life may be difficult, but with the right adjustments, you can still achieve your fitness goals.

1. Cardio 

Getting your body moving with low-impact speed walking is easier on the joints, and cardio burns calories easily.

2. Water Aerobics

If you suffer from joint pain, water aerobics can help you work out while minimizing unnecessary pressure on your joints. 

3. Pilates or yoga

Adding 15 minutes of yoga or pilates to your daily routine can help you increase muscle mass and strength aiding in weight loss. Building muscle mass is key to burning more calories.

4. Adopting a Weight Loss Program

Having professionals provide a personalized weight loss plan for you will create a sustainable routine that works for your lifestyle. This tailored approach integrates nutrition, physical activity, and, if recommended, lipotropic injections, supplements, and behavioral counseling for optimal results.

Just because working out as you age may be more challenging doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy exercise in new ways that better fit your lifestyle. If you’re struggling to find a weight loss plan that adapts to your lifestyle, having a professional create a personalized plan for you can help you achieve your fitness goals. Reach out to Bear Creek Weight Loss in Tuscaloosa to get personalized weight loss plans for you to reach your goals.