Information on Obesity and Men and Eating Disorders

By | November 24, 2008

Age and Obesity in Men and Women

I think, it’s the other way round! Though men gain weight, as they age, women gain more weight, especially after menopause due to hormonal imbalance. Sedentary work is one of the main reasons behind weight gain in late adulthood. There is a decrease in physical activity and the concern for a fit body and good physique. The resting energy expenditure reduces in senescence. This is attributed to the changes in the metabolism. Weight maintenance is possible with decrease in calorie intake or exercise, which in turn prevents weight gain. Excess pounds in the abdomen or thighs result in secondary conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, renal failure, cardiac attack and hypertension. Weight increase after menopause, is slightly difficult to lose, and is seen especially in the abdominal region.

Obesity in Men and Obesity Solution

Lifestyle modification is one of the most debilitating factors for weight gain. Improper changes in lifestyle results in gain of extra pounds. Weight gain post menopause is also due to increase in intake. The expenditure is much lesser than the intake, thereby resulting in accumulation of fat. Ageing also results in replacement of muscles with fat, wherein the muscles burn more calories. Genes or heredity plays a great role in weight gain. Predisposition of extra weight is high with obese parents or relatives. The risk of stroke and heart attack is high with a high body weight. Increase in body weight, especially, around the abdomen, also referred to as central obesity poses a lot of ill effects on the body. Weight gain has a detrimental effect, due to the increase in incidence of breast cancer with menopause.

The only remedy for all these above said complications in men and women is the prevention of excess body weight. Increasing the physical activity helps to prevent weight gain. Healthy workouts are not possible due to a variety of reasons, such as osteoporosis and heart attack. Opt for mild walks and keep your intake under control. Weight gain in old age is also due to emotional stress. Loss of intimate people is a common factor, which results in poor dietary habits. Depression and anxiety also increase the intake and decrease the activity pattern.

Metabolic rate decreases with ageing. Decrease about two hundred calories, from your daily diet to curb excess weight accumulation. A combination of dietary and exercise works wonders! Variety in the diet helps to break the monotony and thus concentrate on healthy eating. A healthy diet involves lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and cereals, skimmed milk products and lean meat. Avoid eating high fat foods and other junk foods, which contribute to minimal amount of nutrients.