We know that weight loss after 40 is an extremely difficult task. In fact, it can become an extremely tough battle. For about two years after the age of 40, I struggled with unexplained weight gain and bloating. I felt like a balloon about to explode. I found an anti-aging specialist in Toronto who did a hormone panel including cortisol and thyroid test on me. The end result was a low thyroid, low progesterone, low estrogen, burnt out adrenals and high cortisol for which she prescribed me a medication for the low thyroid, bioidentical hormones and advised me to contact a naturopathic doctor to deal with the low cortisol. By learning what I could and couldn’t eat and an exercise program for this stage of life, I was able to get rid of the bloated feeling, the excess weight, the exhaustion and general malaise.
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Both women and men gain excess weight around their late 30s to early 40s. For women, this is especially true because it is the body’s attempt to hang onto estrogen. The body begins to make estrogen in the fat stores. This is the reason that women with excess weight do not usually experience menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Their estrogen levels are high but this can lead to other serious health issues.
Chronic stress, insulin resistance and low thyroid contribute to weight gain. Both men and women should have their thyroid and hormone levels checked. Balancing your hormones, diet and exercise will help you to achieve a healthy weight. Eliminating sugars and refined carbohydrates from your diet will help immensely. Sugar has to become your “Public Enemy Number One”. Diets such as the South Beach diet, The Zone, Suzanne Somers’ diet of food combining or allowing yourself just 78 carbohydrates a day are healthy weight loss solutions. Just make sure those carbohydrates consist of high fiber wholegrains, fruit, vegetables, nuts, low fat meat and fish.
In addition to eating healthy foods you need to start, if you haven’t already, an exercise program which you love and enjoy. Do it regularly, whether it’s yoga, biking, hiking, swimming, weight training or Pilates. Exercise strengthens your muscles, fights osteoporosis and burns the fat. Stick with it. It is possible after 40 to maintain your health and weight.
The years after 40 can be the most satisfying and rewarding. Priorities change, perhaps your career changes, your children become more independent. Personal relationships change. This is the time in your life to take charge of your health so you are able to pursue your personal goals and dreams. You can live an active and productive life after 40. This is the time to follow those dreams you have put off because of the responsibilities of child rearing and career building. Your health and maintaining a healthy weight will ensure that you are able to follow those dreams.
Exercise is necessary at any age, but to fight the effects of aging and time on your body, working out at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week, is the minimum you will require to strengthen your muscles and bones, maintain good posture, bone density and joint mobility. Exercise also boosts the internal functioning of the cardiovascular system (lungs and heart) which enables all parts of the body to perform at its optimum as the years go by. Added to these benefits, exercise stimulates the production of a hormone known as the endorphins (the “feel good” hormones) which help fight depression and help you to feel positive and energetic.
