Middle Age Weight Gain in Men

As the years pass men too experience hormonal changes in their body which can lead to weight gain. In men, testosterone starts declining and estrogen starts increasing. Excess of estrogen in comparison to testosterone can increase storing of fat in the body. Weight gain in men is not always due to hormonal changes but also due to many other factors like:

• Reduced physical activity: the frequency of exercising and maintaining a fitness regime dies down with age in men. Due to long hours of working and sedentary work there is hardly anytime for any physical activity. Professional nowadays barely have enough time to sleep much rather than have time to exercise.

• Increased calorie consumption: as one ages, the body processes calories differently. But a general pattern is seen that people continue to have the same diet and calorie consumption as in their earlier life. Since during middle age one’s calorie needs are very different from adulthood, the excess calorie consumption adds on to weight gain.

• Reduced rate of metabolism: as one ages, the basal metabolic rate also dramatically falls down. Calories are not burnt as efficiently as earlier and hence add on to the weight gain.

• High stress levels: increased levels of stress accompany an individual as he ages due to added responsibilities and duties towards family and work.  High levels of stress can cause hormonal changes which can lead to weight gain apart from emotional binging.

• Hormonal imbalances: Reduced production of testosterone in men leads to loss of lean body weight but not fat, this when coupled with an unhealthy lifestyle leads to weight gain.

• Loss of lean body weight (which includes muscles and bones although not body fat): with ageing there is a loss of muscle tissue and when a man stops exercising it adds on to more loss of lean body weight. This loss does not include fat deposits which make the person seem flabby and more prone to weight gain.

As men age there are much more responsibilities to handle both in the personal and professional front. Additional responsibilities can lead to stress which is also one of the cause of weight gain. Apart from stress, the hectic pace of life does not leave any time for physical fitness. Today, all professionals mostly work for ten to twelve hours which leaves them with just enough time to sleep but not to follow any fitness regimen. As we age, our diet should change too as the body starts processing the food in a different manner. Carbohydrates are not processed efficiently by the body resulting in weight gain. A comparatively reduced intake of calories will help. Have a diet rich in proteins with little carbohydrates balanced with other essential nutrients. Do not cut down excessively on calories instead strike a balance with your age and start having an active lifestyle.