Weight Loss: It’s Never Too Late

As each year passes, the body’s metabolism naturally declines. That, combined with hormone fluctuations and lifestyle changes or slowing down due to things like arthritis can mean extra pounds really start to pile on. Or maybe you weren't really concerned with your weight because mid-life was packed with kids and a hectic life but now as you slow down a little those extra pounds really start to cause trouble. No matter what, it's never too late to lose unwanted pounds. And we shouldn't let the myths convince us otherwise. We’re not too old to have that powerhouse body.

Develop a True Lifestyle Change

Most experts will tell us that to lose weight at any age, we need to make healthy lifestyle changes. A study found, on average, people lived longer lives and avoided premature death when they implemented positive changes not only for a month or two but for life. So it's important to make good lifestyle choices that include:

• low-fat foods a goal for every meal
• quitting smoking and drinking (or at least reducing alcohol intake)
• daily exercise
• reducing stress levels
• achieving or maintaining a healthy body weight

Weight plays a significant role in a healthy life. While it's true that anyone of any size can be healthy, as we age, extra weight can have a significant ability on our ability to get around and it can take a toll on our organs, too. Tring to lose weight as we age seems daunting though, as everyone seems to be saying it's impossible. But it isn't. 

Make Fitness a Priority

As we age, we need fitness more than ever, not less. Not only can exercise help keep unwanted pounds at bay, but it also helps strengthen bones and muscle and more. Incorporating at least 30 minutes of low-impact exercise into our routines can help us keep weight loss goals in check. Even if the gym isn't for you, walking, dancing, or doing yard work can be fun, healthy replacements. And remember, sex burns calories, too.

Cut Out Bad Habits

Smoking and drinking can be dangerous to our bodies. But other things, like eating sugar or high-fat meats can be equally as bad. We should probably cut down on the sugar, too.

Stress is another danger that can shorten our lifespans and lead to weight gain. Learning healthy ways to cope with stress, such as meditation, exercise and yoga, can help us keep life balanced. Mindfulness and finding fun ways to spend our time can go a long way to alleviating stress. Remember that you're not a robot and you deserve to have fun, relax, and enjoy some of the better things in life.

Be Around Other Like-Minded Individuals

We all slip into slumps at times where we just don't take good care of ourselves. Skipping the gym, eating fast food and putting off routine medical exams may not seem like a big deal when taken individually. It's easy for habits to fall by the wayside. But when taken as a whole, we may all come to a place where we've really lost sight of who we want to be. And then it's time to shake it up and recreate who we want to be. 

It may help us to find a partner or other like-minded individual who builds us up and wants us to succeed. An encouraging fitness network leads to positive results and we think that this idea, having a group to discuss health with, is essential for every age group and fitness level.  

It's never too late to lose weight and feel great. No matter our fitness level, we can make a true change and see positive results in our 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond. Whether it's 10 pounds or 100, it all starts with the decision to get it done. Making small, consistent changes is key.

The truth is that with slowed metabolism it may take a little longer to lose weight, but it's not really any harder than it ever was. And doing so can pay off by adding years to your life or at least life to your years.

Copyright 2021, Wellness.com