Gaining Weight as you Age

As we age our bodies slow down and this affects our weight. As a person ages they are less active than they were in their younger days. Our metabolism plays a role in weight gain as does genetic factors. Loss of body cells contributes to a slow metabolism where we don't burn as many calories as we use too. Menopause affects a woman's weight, and most women tend to gain weight around the abdomen. This can increase a woman's chance of getting breast cancer. If they have a weight gain of in excess of 20 pounds, the chance of breast cancer increases by 20 percent.

A body mass index of 30 or more leads to obesity. People with a higher BMI scored lower on cognitive tests then their slimmer counterparts. This factor can lead to Metabolic Syndrome, a cluster of risk factors that increases a person's chance of getting heart disease, diabetes, or having a stroke. Some of the contributing risk factors are high blood pressure, high glucose, high triglyceride levels and low levels of good cholesterol.

But all this can be avoided if we take the right steps. Of course, when beginning a diet or exercise program, you need to check first with your doctor. Joining a health club, where you would have access to exercise equipment, would be a good idea. This would also help the person to stay motivated. Some centers also have a good nutritional program available to seniors. In exercising strength building or training also helps bone density and increases metabolism. Taking steps to avoid weight gain will not only help you look better, but you will feel better too.