The problem is, as you get older, losing weight can be more difficult. That's because seniors don't typically burn as many calories as younger people, and burning more calories than you consume is the primary driver for weight loss.
Your Metabolism Is Slower Than Before
That decrease in muscle mass is likely to slow your metabolism, a complex process that converts food calories into energy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Having more fat and less muscle reduces calorie burning.
No matter what your age, you can improve your fitness.
If it's been a long time since you've exercised and you're feeling less than fit, you might think that it's too late to make a change. But you're wrong. You can improve your fitness at any age.
To lose stomach overhang you have to burn fat cells in both the fat you can see directly under the skin and also the more dangerous fat that you can't see that surrounds your organs. Cardio such as swimming, aerobics, running or dancing will burn this excess fat store.
Many women notice an increase in belly fat as they get older even if they don't gain weight. This is likely due to a lower level of estrogen because estrogen seems to have an effect on where fat is located in the body. Genes can contribute to an individual's chances of being overweight or obese too.
Eating a variety of whole foods (fortified grains, quality protein, fruits and vegetables) each day will help you meet your vitamin and mineral needs. Men and women should both strive for 600 international units of vitamin D from fish, egg yolks, fortified foods and supplements every day.
But studies have shown that cholesterol for people 65 and older is less affected by their diet than someone in their 30s and younger, so they can have up to two whole eggs per day if they have normal cholesterol levels. “For seniors, it might even be a greater source of protein,” says Campbell.
Spinach, kale, collard greens, broccoli and other leafy greens can make medications to prevent blood clots less effective. Green leafy veggies are rich in vitamin K, which interacts with the common blood-thinning drug warfarin (brand name Coumadin).
The current recommended dietary allowance for women older than 70 years is 0.36 grams for each pound of body weight or 46 grams of protein for a 130-pound woman.
Doctors recommend most adults keep their BMI between 18 and 24.9. Adults with a BMI over 25 are considered overweight and a BMI over 30 is considered obese. On the other hand, older adults do better if they have a BMI between 25 and 27.
A variety of factors lead to obesity in older adults: side effects of medication, a loss of muscle mass, the natural slowing down of metabolism, and continuing to eat the same foods in the same amounts as one did at a younger age.
The average female aged 60-69 measures 63.2 inches. This is 0.5 inches less than the average for all women. Women continually shrink after age 69, though. By the time the average woman is 80 years old, she measures just 61.3 inches, or just over 5 feet tall.
You might not be burning calories like you did when you were younger, but you can still take off extra pounds. The golden rules of weight loss still apply: Burn more calories than you eat or drink. Eat more veggies, fruits, whole grains, fish, beans, and low-fat or fat-free dairy; and keep meat and poultry lean.
Supplements to increase metabolism
B-complex vitamins: These help metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, activating stored energy instead of letting it turn to fat. Niacin, vitamin B-6, and iron: This impressive trio increases your body's production of the amino acid L-carnitine to help burn fat.