Many people in life feel that their bodies are too overweight and adopt weight loss methods to achieve a slim figure. However, many female friends feel that it is easier to lose weight when they are young and more difficult in middle age. What is the reason for this? Let's explore together below.
[Obstacles to Weight Loss in Middle-aged Women]
1. Insufficient secretion of estrogen
As women age, ovarian function gradually declines, which leads to insufficient secretion of estrogen. This decrease in estrogen levels causes the body's fat tissue to supplement estrogen, resulting in an increase in fat tissue in women during menopause after the age of 45. This makes weight loss difficult.
2. Impaired metabolism
Factors such as age, lack of exercise, poor eating habits, prolonged sitting, and genetic factors can all lead to abnormal metabolism in the body. When metabolism is disrupted, weight loss becomes more challenging. Therefore, women should maintain a regular lifestyle after the age of 40, pay attention to a healthy diet, and avoid excessive consumption of sweets and high-fat foods.
3. Slower metabolic rate
As age increases, metabolic function slows down, making it difficult for the body to digest and consume daily intake of proteins, fats, and other nutrients in a timely manner. This leads to accumulation of these substances in the body, resulting in obesity. Additionally, women over the age of 40 have reduced digestive function, making it easier to become overweight. This further increases the difficulty of weight loss.
4. Impaired thyroid function
If the level of thyroid hormones in the body is insufficient, it can also affect metabolism, making weight loss more challenging and reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, women over the age of 40 should supplement iodine appropriately to avoid thyroid enlargement. Additionally, they should avoid excessive dieting. To achieve successful weight loss, they should calculate their daily calorie intake and reduce it by 300 calories, without excessive reduction.
[Weight Loss "Golden Period" for Middle-aged Women]
The first thing to note is that the "golden period" for weight loss is during the menstrual cycle.
From the 7th to the 13th day of the menstrual cycle is the golden period for weight loss.
In terms of diet, pay attention to:
- Supplementing iron and fiber-rich foods, such as spinach, kelp, dried small fish, raisins, cherries, apples, red dates, honey dates, red cabbage, whole wheat bread, brown rice, oats, and milk.
- Avoiding cold foods, ice cream, or drinks.
- Relaxing and engaging in gentle exercises.
- Consuming less sugary foods such as beverages, cakes, and candies to prevent unstable blood sugar levels and avoid worsening menstrual discomfort.
- Avoiding drinks containing caffeine: coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages can increase anxiety and restlessness.
[What Should Middle-aged Women Pay Attention to When Losing Weight?]
1. Only eating meat for weight loss
The meat-only diet is actually a form of mono-food dieting. Consuming large amounts of meat will produce excessive ketone acids in the body, leading to headaches and chest tightness. Long-term adherence to this weight loss method may even affect kidney health. The meat-only diet relies on lack of water in the body, making weight rebound quickly.
2. Vegetable diet for weight loss
The vegetable diet is actually very unhealthy. Although vegetables have low calories, long-term consumption can lead to nutritional imbalances and increased appetite. Once the appetite increases, it becomes very difficult to reduce it.
3. Coffee for weight loss
The coffee diet can be effective, but it is not suitable for long-term use. Excessive consumption of coffee can cause long-term insomnia and may even lead to kidney failure as caffeine has strong diuretic effects.
4. Relying solely on exercise for weight loss
This weight loss method is not entirely correct. As the saying goes, "Weight loss is 30% exercise and 70% diet." To lose weight, controlling food intake is also important. Eating less fatty meat may be more effective than exercising for sixty minutes.
