May 11 is the International Day to Combat Obesity. Obesity has become a global public health problem, with more than half of the continent's adult population being overweight or obese. Obesity increases the risk of a range of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and pestilence, which not only affects health, but also imposes a huge financial burden on everyone.
When it comes to obesity, many people have this feeling: once you pass the age of 25, weight management seems to become difficult, fat quietly accumulates, and the body line is no longer as tight as before.
This can't help but make people wonder, could it be said that the body quietly set a "fortune boundary" after the age of 25? Is age really an invisible criterion for dividing thin and fat? Is it okay to eat as much as you like before the age of 25?
Is there really an "age cut-off" for getting fat?
Regarding the "age cutoff line for gaining weight", according to the latest research and surveys, there is indeed an age point where people are more likely to gain weight from that point on. According to a survey in the United States, obesity rates are lowest among 18- to 24-year-olds, at 22.4 percent. However, the age of 25 became an important watershed. From the age of 25 onwards, obesity rates rise significantly, especially among those aged 45 to 74, when they are the highest.
The horizontal axis is the age group, and the vertical axis is the proportion of obese people, and it can be seen that the obesity rate has soared significantly after the age of 25 (Image source: Popular Science China)
But when exactly do we start gaining weight? There are no clear boundaries on this, no one can pinpoint a specific age, and there are significant differences between individuals. But in general, most people gain weight as they get older.
Why is it easy to gain weight when you get older?
As they age, many people will find that their weight seems to be steadily increasing as well. It's not just a personal feeling, scientific studies have shown that middle-life fat is a common phenomenon. So, why is it easy to gain weight when you get older?
First of all, we need to know that as we age, our metabolism slows down. Imagine your body going from a high-speed machine to a slow-motion machine in energy-saving mode. So, even if you eat as much as before, your body burns fewer calories, and the excess calories become fat storage.
1
Metabolism slows down
As we age, the rate of the body's metabolism naturally slows down. At age 20, your metabolism may be at its peak, but by age 40, it may have slowed down by about 10%. This means that even if your eating habits don't change, your body will consume fewer calories, leading to weight gain.
2
Loss of muscle mass
Muscle mass is a key factor in basal metabolic rate. As we age, especially if we don't exercise properly, muscle mass gradually decreases and is replaced by fat. Muscle tissue burns more calories than adipose tissue, so a decrease in muscle mass leads to a decrease in basal metabolic rate, further promoting weight gain.
3
Hormonal changes
As we age, our hormone levels change. For example, estrogen levels in women drop during menopause, which can lead to alterations in body fat distribution, especially an increase in belly fat. In addition, the secretion of growth hormone also decreases with age, which affects muscle mass and fat burning.
4
Lifestyle changes
Increasing age is often accompanied by lifestyle changes, such as increased work pressure, increased family responsibilities, etc. These factors may lead people to be more inclined to choose high-calorie, high-fat comfort foods while spending less time exercising.
5
Decreased sleep quality
Sleep is essential for weight regulation. As we age, sleep quality may decline, which affects appetite-controlling hormones such as insulin and stomach hunger hormones, which can lead to increased appetite and weight gain.
Midlife fortune is a complex phenomenon that involves a variety of physical and psychological factors. However, by maintaining a healthy lifestyle such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and effective stress management, we can slow or even reverse this trend. Remember, age is just a number, and health and vitality are what we should strive for.
So, how to prevent obesity in middle age?
1. Healthy diet: Maintain a balanced diet, eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains and high-quality protein, and eat less high-sugar and high-fat foods.
2. Regular exercise: Do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, etc.
3. Manage stress: learn to relax and cope with stress, and maintain a good psychological state.
4. Good sleep: ensure adequate sleep, 7-9 hours per night.
5. Avoid emotional eating: Pay attention to your emotions and avoid overeating because of mood swings. Find healthier coping strategies, such as going for a walk or talking to a friend.
6. Regular physical examination: Conduct regular physical examination to detect and treat chronic diseases in time.
In short, there is no specific "age cut-off" for gaining weight, but rather a gradual development process. Through a healthy lifestyle and eating habits, we can effectively prevent obesity in middle age and maintain a healthy weight and body.
(Source: Compiled and edited by Weinan Radio and Television Station)