Discover the Shocking Habit That Might Be Sabotaging Your Weight Loss Goals!

As we age, our bodies undergo a myriad of changes, and for those of us over 60, weight management can become an increasingly challenging task. It's not uncommon to find ourselves puzzled when the numbers on the scale refuse to budge despite our best efforts to maintain a healthy diet and stay active. But before you blame your willpower or the effectiveness of your exercise routine, a surprising factor could be undermining your weight loss goals: your hormones.

Understanding the Hormonal Influence on Weight


The role of hormones in weight control is often underestimated, especially as we move into our forties, fifties, and beyond. Dietitian Susie Burrell sheds light on this critical aspect, explaining that our bodies house over 200 different hormones, each influencing various functions such as mood, sex drive, fertility, appetite, energy, and metabolism.


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Dietitian Susie Burrell says understanding hormones is key to weight loss, especially with age. Credit: Shutterstock


Key Hormones Affecting Weight


Among the numerous hormones, a few stand out for their direct impact on weight management. Ghrelin and leptin regulate appetite, cortisol is linked to stress and fat storage, and oestrogen influences where we store body fat. However, insulin is the primary regulator of glucose and fat metabolism in the body. Insulin resistance, a condition that becomes more common after weight gain, can make it significantly harder to lose weight. It affects where we store body fat and how well we metabolize glucose from carbohydrates, ultimately influencing our ability to burn stored fat.

The Perimenopause Complication

For women, the hormonal landscape becomes even more complex during perimenopause. As oestrogen levels decline, metabolism slows down, often leading to central weight gain. This shift can exacerbate insulin issues and make weight loss more challenging, increasing the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Taking Action Against Hormonal Weight Gain


If you're eating well and exercising but still struggling to lose weight, particularly around the abdomen, it may be indicative of insulin and glucose regulation issues. Symptoms such as low mood, irritability, poor sleep, unexplained weight changes, and extreme fatigue also warrant medical attention.

Diet's Role in Hormonal Balance

While medication may be necessary for some, diet plays a crucial role in managing glucose and insulin levels. Burrell recommends meals that include protein, two to three cups of salad or vegetables, and a small portion of high-quality carbohydrates every three to four hours. Limiting high-carbohydrate meals can help stabilize glucose and insulin levels, aiding in hunger control.


Staying Healthy in the Age of COVID-19

In the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining overall health is more important than ever. Social distancing, wearing masks, and staying home when symptomatic remain crucial in protecting ourselves and others. Vaccinations, boosters, and antivirals are also key preventive measures, especially for those in high-risk groups.

Key Takeaways

  • Understanding hormones is crucial in addressing issues with weight loss, especially as we get older, according to dietitian Susie Burrell.
  • Key hormones, such as ghrelin, leptin, cortisol, oestrogen, and especially insulin, can greatly influence fat and glucose metabolism, appetite, and energy levels.
  • Perimenopause can complicate weight management due to hormonal changes, which may contribute to insulin resistance and central weight gain.
  • Diet plays a critical role in managing glucose and insulin levels; meals balanced with protein, vegetables, and good-quality carbohydrates are important, as are medical consultations for persistent weight management issues.
In conclusion, if you're over 60 and struggling with weight loss, it's time to consider the hormonal factors at play. By understanding and addressing these, you can take more effective steps towards achieving your health and weight goals. Remember, it's not just about diet and exercise; it's about the intricate balance of your body's internal chemistry.
 
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Not all of us are meant to be slim, lots of things cause weight gain, high levels of stress, medications, genetics. Ok there are people who love their food and don't like exercise. No one should look at another and judge. Definitely after menopause woman's bodies change in shape. Why do we always have to look for reasons for our extra weight. I know not everyone will agree with me. As l have struggled with weight all my life l am totally over others making comments like you are such a lovely person if you could only loose a little weight, you know why you have mobility problems because of your weight if only!!!! No l a genetic illness. So many experts who know absolutely nothing about me. When you get in your 60s and as long as you are in good health that is all that matters not your spare tyre or the size of your butt.
Just do some exercise eat well and accept your body.
There is so much more to an over weight person than what you see on the outside
Kind regards to all Vicki
 
Not all of us are meant to be slim, lots of things cause weight gain, high levels of stress, medications, genetics. Ok there are people who love their food and don't like exercise. No one should look at another and judge. Definitely after menopause woman's bodies change in shape. Why do we always have to look for reasons for our extra weight. I know not everyone will agree with me. As l have struggled with weight all my life l am totally over others making comments like you are such a lovely person if you could only loose a little weight, you know why you have mobility problems because of your weight if only!!!! No l a genetic illness. So many experts who know absolutely nothing about me. When you get in your 60s and as long as you are in good health that is all that matters not your spare tyre or the size of your butt.
Just do some exercise eat well and accept your body.
There is so much more to an over weight person than what you see on the outside
Kind regards to all Vicki
Well said Vicki....!
 
Not all of us are meant to be slim, lots of things cause weight gain, high levels of stress, medications, genetics. Ok there are people who love their food and don't like exercise. No one should look at another and judge. Definitely after menopause woman's bodies change in shape. Why do we always have to look for reasons for our extra weight. I know not everyone will agree with me. As l have struggled with weight all my life l am totally over others making comments like you are such a lovely person if you could only loose a little weight, you know why you have mobility problems because of your weight if only!!!! No l a genetic illness. So many experts who know absolutely nothing about me. When you get in your 60s and as long as you are in good health that is all that matters not your spare tyre or the size of your butt.
Just do some exercise eat well and accept your body.
There is so much more to an over weight person than what you see on the outside
Kind regards to all Vicki
My doctor said "don't eat anything fatty"
I said do you mean like "Potato Chips, Fish Fingers or Fish and Chips"
he said "No don't eat anything Fatty"
 
My doctor said "don't eat anything fatty"
I said do you mean like "Potato Chips, Fish Fingers or Fish and Chips"
he said "No don't eat anything Fatty"
Great advice no idea, no real help. Everything in moderation.
Dr should take off rose coloured glasses and look at the bigger picture. What a dill.
Kind regards Vicki
 

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