Many factors are responsible. For one, your daily activity levels will have changed. Many people now have full-time jobs, responsibilities with children, and other obligations. Not to mention that many jobs require a lot of sitting. So, how do you keep your weight from piling up? Here are a few tips to keep your weight in check as you age.

One of the most common myths about losing weight after 40 is that your metabolism slows down. However, new research has shown that your metabolism doesn’t slow down after your forties – people burn just as much fat after their forties as they did when they were younger. Rather than a slowing down of the body, your weight gain after 40 is due to your lifestyle and the amount of calories you consume. Exercise, eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep, and reducing your stress levels are all crucial for losing fat around the belly.

While genetics may play a role in your increased weight as you age, aging is a natural part of the process. One of the biggest biological factors behind age-related weight gain is hormones. Women lose estrogen during their mid-thirties, while men lose testosterone after reaching their forties. This decrease in hormone production leads to fat accumulation in the mid-section. A few lifestyle changes can prevent this process from occurring.

The first step to losing weight is to understand the cause of your weight gain. When your metabolism is slow, you lose weight more slowly than it used to. When you reach your forties, you also have fewer muscles and hormones. If you try to lose weight too quickly, you could endanger your health and energy. If you are over forty, you can still lose weight after 40 with these simple lifestyle changes.

The second step is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. Eating less is essential for weight loss, but remember that your metabolism will adjust as you get older by decreasing your calorie requirements. If you are still having trouble losing weight after forty, seek help from a doctor or a dietitian. The information they provide can be helpful in determining what might be causing your weight gain and how to correct it.