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Feb 27
2007

Eating Less As We Age?

Posted by in Untagged 
QUESTION
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Is it true that the older you are
the harder it is to lose weight?
ANSWER

Unfortunately yes, because metabolism rates begin dropping 1% each year starting around age 40. What this means is that there's a 10% reduction per decade.

Let's look at a typical 40 year old woman, 5'5", 130 lb, average activity level, who needs 1400 calories per day to maintain her weight. She will need to eat a bit less each year:

  • Age 40 1400 calories
  • Age 50 1260 calories
  • Age 60 1134 calories
  • Age 70 1021 calories
  • Age 80 919 calories
Of course this can be offset somewhat with regular exercise, but as our metabolisms drop each year, we also burn fewer calories at our favorite exercise activity.

Nutrient rich foods and carb control with eye to calorie counting is a smart move toward remaining at a healthy weight to stave off diabetes and other obesity related conditions.