Losing Fat, The Right Way

Weight gain as you age
 
Somewhere around age 40, you look in the mirror and — yikes! When did you grow that paunchy middle? Maybe your weight is up a little, maybe it's up a lot. But usually extra pounds attach themselves to your hips and thighs, not your waist. What's going on?
 
Welcome to midlife expansion. Experts disagree on how much blame to place on aging and how much on menopause and andropause, but one thing's clear: Between ages 35 and 55, your body changes. Either you gain weight or maintaining your weight becomes more difficult. And yes, your middle tends to expand.
 
How much this upsets you probably depends on how much you prize fitting into the jeans you wore in college. For peace of mind, it's time for a shift. Forget the jeans and learn to be the healthiest middle-age woman/man you can be.
 
Changes as you age

For most people, increases and shifts in weight begin during perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause/andropause. That's when you begin to produce less estrogen/testosterone (for men), which seems to trigger the changes in your weight and shape.
 
Unfortunately, expansion of your fat cells isn't the only change you're facing. Chances are, your metabolism is slowing down and the amount of muscle you have is decreasing. Because muscle burns more calories than fat, the less muscle you have, the fewer calories you burn.
 
You need to check both Adrenal and Thyroid function, you will be surprised to learn how many of us are disfunctional in both of these important endocrine (hormonal) glands.

 
An indepth consultation and few lab testing will tell us where we stand on these issues and correction is simple.

 
You can call Dr. Dekel's office at 516-208-6617 to set one up.
 
Proper nutrition

Although cutting way back on calories isn't a good idea, you do have to watch what you eat. Remember that strenuous dieting only serves to deplete bone and muscle and to lower metabolism.
 
So forget dieting, and eat sensibly. Eat a variety of foods in smaller portions. Because your metabolism slows as you age, you need about 200 to 400 fewer calories a day. This shouldn't be a problem if you eat only when hungry and only enough to satisfy your hunger.
 
As you age, your body becomes less able to handle the load when you stuff yourself, and it's more likely to store the excess as fat. So eat small meals. And eat when you're hungry. Skipping meals may cause you to overeat at the next one. Consume most of your calories during the day, when your metabolism is higher. And try to keep healthy fat intake in check ( 20% of your intake) to reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer. Pay attention to calories, too. Some lower-fat foods are higher in calories.