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Shedding pounds after 50 involves diet and exercise

SAN DIEGO COUNTY – Losing some weight is a goal for many people, regardless of age.

Shedding weight after the age of 50 is not always easy. As a person ages, muscle mass tends to dwindle while body fat has a tendency to increase. Since fat burns fewer calories than muscle, weight gain as a person ages is bound to happen. But that doesn’t mean such weight gain is inevitable. In fact, men and women willing to make certain changes with regard to diet and exercise can shed pounds after 50 while preventing future weight gain.

Diet

Men and women need fewer calories as they age. For example, men and women in their 40s may need as many as 200 calories more per day than they will when they reach their 50s. Counting calories might seem difficult, so men and women in their 50s and older who don’t think they can count calories can try to eat more low-calorie foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Men and women used to dining out for lunch every day can start bringing their own lunches so they can gain greater control of their daily caloric intake. For those who find they’re frequently too exhausted to cook each night, they can prepare meals in advance to have healthy, homemade meals waiting instead of always ordering takeout or delivery.

Exercise

Exercise is another essential component to shedding pounds after 50, though men and women over 50 should always consult a physician before they begin a new exercise regimen. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out that regular exercise can help older men and women prevent the onset of a host of ailments, including heart disease and diabetes. In addition, the CDC notes that regular physical activity as one ages helps muscles grow stronger, which increases the chances that an individual will be able to perform necessary daily activities without the assistance of others.

When coupled with a healthy, low-calorie diet, routine exercise can help men and women over 50 shed extra weight and keep the weight off once it’s gone. According to the CDC, older adults need at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, every week and muscle-strengthening activities on two more days a week. Even gardening that involves digging and shoveling can be considered a muscle-strengthening activity.

Weight gain is often an expected side effect of aging. But men and women don’t have to gain weight as they get older. Some simple dietary changes and a commitment to routine exercise is all it takes to shed weight after 50 and keep that weight off once it’s gone.

 

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