Metabolism and Weight

Many of us find it harder and harder to lose weight, even that five pounds we used to shed in a week for a new party dress. Remember those days? 

"If you never had problems losing or maintaining your weight in your 20s or even in your early 30s, you may not be ready for what happens next,” warns Madelyn H. Fernstrom, Ph.D., director of the Weight Management Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “Your metabolism slows by 5 percent each decade. Compared to age 25, you’ll burn about 100 fewer calories a day at 35 and 200 fewer at 45. Do nothing, and you could gain eight to 12 pounds a year.”

With age, muscle mass diminishes and so does your metabolic rate (the number of calories your body burns throughout the day, whether you’re sleeping, sitting, or sprinting to catch a bus). " (From GoodhouseKeeping)

In fact as you age your basal metabolic rate (bmr) drops by two per cent for every decade of your life. Also, you lose 3.2kg (7lbs) of lean body mass with every decade, which is replaced by fat. Therefore, as you get older you need to change what you do to stay fit, slim and toned - you need to do more exercise to turn back the clock.

Another thing that affects metabolism is smoking. We all know NOW is the time to quit...but what will it do to our weight? The nicotine in cigarettes acts as an appetite suppressant. The nicotine may slightly increase your metabolism as well. When you quit smoking, your appetite and metabolism return to normal — which may lead you to eat more and burn fewer calories. Also, your ability to smell and taste food improves after you quit smoking. This can make food more appealing, which may lead you to eat more. And if you substitute snacking for smoking, the calories may quickly add up.  (Mayo Clinic)

Considering all of the facts, it is only reasonable that science would start working on ways to help moderate these changes in metabolism. The incredible progress made here can help attain and maintain a healthy weight.