Weight gain in people over 40: Why does our body weight change as we age?

For many people, weight gain begins slowly after the age of 40. Even if they don't change anything in their diet and do the same amount of exercise, most people gain an average of 2 kilos per year. Hormonal problems, a slower metabolism or lower energy consumption: what actually causes the changes in body weight? Scientists from Sweden found that weight gain in people over 40 has a different reason. With increasing age, fat turnover in adipose tissue begins to decrease and this is said to promote an increase in body weight.

Weight gain in people over 40: Are the changes in body weight due to decreasing fat turnover?

As part of the study, the researchers were able to determine that fat turnover decreases with age, which promotes weight gain. Over 50 subjects (men and women) took part in the study. The scientists were able to examine their fat cells and find that from the age of 40, fat is stored in the fat cells more and more slowly. Was the process not achieved by reducing thedaily calorie intakeregulated, the test subjects gained weight quickly. And vice versa: people who have a high lipid turnover can lose weight faster and more effectively and maintain their dream weight.

The study gives hope, especially to patients suffering from obesity. Those affected often have to undergo a complicated operation to reduce the size of their stomach. The results of the study suggest that exercise can have a positive effect and support weight loss after the procedure.

Exercise can stimulate your metabolism

But how can you counteract weight gain? Previous studies have already shown that exercise effectively stimulates metabolism and can regulate body weight. The results of the Swedish researchers also prove the positive effect of sport and exercise on the body. Of course, nutrition plays a crucial role. If you eat healthily and reduce portions a bit, you can hope for quick results. It's not about following a strict diet and starving, but rather eating healthy. Vegetables, fruit, fish and whole grain bread should be on the menu every day.