We have all heard the elders saying it is harder to lose weight after 40 because your metabolism slows down. But is that really the case, or are we blaming something that is not even responsible? Fitness expert Jaymie Moran took to Instagram to break down what actually happens as we age, and his take might surprise you. Your Metabolism Does Not Suddenly Tank at 40Referencing a major 2021 study led by Duke University researchers that tracked 6,400 people ranging from infants to 95-year-olds, Moran mentions the study’s striking discovery: metabolism stays remarkably stable between the ages of 20 and 60.“There is no magical slowdown and no flip that gets switched as soon as you turn 40,” Moran states. So if that is the case, why does managing weight suddenly feel so much harder?It is Not Your Metabolism; It is Your Life“Well, you are probably not going to like the answer,” Moran warns, “but we are here to cut the BS.” According to him, it is not about your metabolism at all; “It is your life.”Moran explains how our lifestyle in our 40s looks vastly different from our younger years. “You are sleeping one or two hours less than you did in your 20s. You are sitting at a desk for eight or nine hours a day. Your active hobbies have turned into running the kids round or scrolling on Instagram in bed.”And the main issue? Stress. “You are stressed out, never feel like you have any time, and are grabbing convenient crap that you probably would not have touched a decade ago.”Hormonal Issues Add to the Chaos“And let us not forget about perimenopause knocking on the door,” Moran adds, “which does change how your body stores fat, especially around your midsection.”He points out that night sweats wreak havoc on your sleep, which in turn “absolutely screw with your hunger and fullness hormones”. As your hormones shift, you end up “moving less because you are exhausted, and you are probably eating more.” According to Moran, that is why the scale creeps up, not because your metabolism has suddenly failed you.Same Old Strategy, Different Body and LifeMoran says the real problem is trying to apply the same health and fitness approach from your 20s, even though everything about your life and body has changed. “You are still trying to follow the same approach that you used in your 20s, even though your body and your life are very different now.” However, he says that weight loss and getting your health in check is still completely possible. Smarter Strategy for a Smarter BodyAccording to Moran, you just have to adjust your strategy. His recommendations are clear:“Prioritise protein and fibre to maintain your muscle and control hunger.”“Get seven to eight hours of quality sleep. Your hormones will thank you.”“If you struggle with night sweats or you get too hot, buy a cooling mattress. It will literally change your life.”“Strength train two to three times a week for 30 to 60 minutes. This is a non-negotiable if you want to age strong.”“Walk more. You have got to be doing at least 8,000 steps a day.”If 8,000 sounds like a stretch, Moran has a simple plan: “If you are at 4,000 or 5,000, start adding 1,000 a month on until you get to 8,000 and just make it part of your daily routine.”It is About More Than the ScaleMoran ends with a powerful reminder: “This is not just about the number on the scale. This is about your energy, your strength, your confidence, your independence, your self-esteem, and staying capable.”
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