Do you think it's harder to lose weight when your older ?

StormChaser217
StormChaser217 Posts: 70 Member
edited September 30 in Health and Weight Loss
I was just wondering what everyone thinks about this . Do you think it is harder to lose weight when your older . I am 52 years old , and I think it is real hard now . I use to could lose it faster than this . I wish I could come up with an exercise that I would enjoy doing everyday . I hate to exercise . Can anyone tell me about some that would be more enjoyable to me .?
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Replies

  • emmaNEEDSskinny
    emmaNEEDSskinny Posts: 317
    because your metabolism slows as you age? :)
  • FaithHopeTrust
    FaithHopeTrust Posts: 105 Member
    because your metabolism slows as you age? :)
    this.
    the metabolism slows down as you get older!
  • corpus_validum
    corpus_validum Posts: 292 Member
    Yes it's harder to lose weight as you get older. Your metabolism slows down as you age.

    You don't necessarily need to exercise to lose weight, and it's far easier to lose weight by controlling caloric intake vs exercising. 1lb of fat is approx 3,500 calories. It's easier to reduce intake by that much than it is to exercise that much off.

    But exercising will improve your fitness level and, depending upon intensity level, can boost up your metabolism.
  • BethGorton
    BethGorton Posts: 38
    My mother is around the same age as you and does pilates which she really enjoys. She also does Zumba which she absolutely LOVES
  • LolasEpicJourney
    LolasEpicJourney Posts: 1,010 Member
    It definately is!!!
    Your metabolism slows down
    Thats why kookie kids a and whacky teens tend to be thinner and even in your 20s you can start to put on weight!!!!
  • corpus_validum
    corpus_validum Posts: 292 Member
    I hate to exercise . Can anyone tell me about some that would be more enjoyable to me .?

    Is there any physical activity that you enjoy that raises your heart rate (e.g. xxx)? Do it more often.:bigsmile:
  • ScoutMom1
    ScoutMom1 Posts: 57
    Yes definitely is harder for me. I'm still trying to make myself exercise as well...right now, walking is the only thing I can muster. My doc did tell me after 40 it is just as important to get in some weight training as it is cardio because (especially women) start losing muscle mass with every passing year and more than likely fat is going to replace that muscle that we lose. You might want to check into a walking program to start, you don't have to start big...baby steps sometimes works best to acclimate yourself to it and then work up your time and pace week by week. Hope that helps! :)
  • maddymama
    maddymama Posts: 1,183 Member
    My doctor told me to focus more on gaining muscle than losing weight as we age... he says it's harder to put on muscle as we age, and that is one of the things that keeps us healthier longer (more fit, more active, etc.). I am only 37, but I believe this might apply to you, too. To this end, I am adding circuit training/ light weights to my exercise a day or two a week to help build muscle.
    I agree with pp that it is more down to diet than it is to exercise as you age.....
  • dianerenem
    dianerenem Posts: 14
    it's harder for me, but I am anorexic (no longer practicing, obviously) and it has done some horrible things to my body. my body will give up weight for a few pounds, then come to a screeching halt, then give up a few more ... and well, the cycle is infuriating!

    I have a friend who can lose 40 pounds in a matter of months and has no issues with it. her weight yoyos, but she says it's because she only loses the weight for summer and then doesn't care about what she eats for the rest of the year.
  • SusanMcAvoy
    SusanMcAvoy Posts: 445 Member
    Hello!! You sound just like me. I am 54 and yes it is much harder to lose weight at this age. Our metabolisms have slowed down and it was very discouraging to me at first. Like you, I have always lost weight fairly easy but this time it has taken me a lot longer to see results. However it is possible. It has taken me over three months but I have finally lost 24 pounds. So it can be done. I hate to exercise too. It is my least favorite thing.... I found a great low impact DVD and I try to do it at least 4 times per week. I walk with Leslie Sansone. It works and because of her I managed to lose the weight. She's energetic, and fun and you'll see results. She has many different DVD's. Start with a beginner session. Start out doing 1 mile. It will go by fast. You'll be amazed!! You can find her DVD's on Amazon.com. I wish you the best of luck. If you are new to MFP and would like another friend for incentive feel free to add me. This site is amzing and if you stick with it, it will work. Ciao for now!
  • koahope
    koahope Posts: 15
    YES! I am finding the same problem as I am getting closer to 50. I also have trouble finding exercise I 'like' or can tolerate. But, I do like watching TV & sitting and I found a recumbant bike is small enough to put in my living room and I sit on it every night and watch my favorite programs on TV. On days when I hurt more, I peddle slower, and when I'm feeling more energtic I peddle faster. Either way I get my heartrate up and burn the calories.
  • PJilly
    PJilly Posts: 22,167 Member
    I am 50, and I haven't found it to be hard. I spent about 30 years being overweight, and a couple of years ago, I decided enough was enough and it was time to lose it. The only reason it was ever hard before was that I wasn't consistent.
  • tobybear
    tobybear Posts: 109
    I am 57 and I know how hard it is. I do walking with Leslie Sansone and you are suppose to use a stretchie band but mine tore in half so I had one of those rubber bands that you stand on and tone up with instead and that works. I feel it in my arms. I am hoping I can keep it up and lose the weight I need to.
  • ATT949
    ATT949 Posts: 1,245 Member
    I never had to lose weight when I was younger so I can't answer the question directly.


    My weight loss experience turned out well.

    http://cbeinfo.net/weight.htm


    Until last year, the last time I exercised regularly was 1987. In December 2010, I decided that "round" actually is a shape but it's not what they mean when they say "get in shape". I started working out on an elliptical, have lost almost 100 pounds, and am training for a half marathon in August and a marathon in December. The changes in my weight and in my physical and emotional health have been stunning. I have added years to my life and every aspect of my life has improved.

    With the 73 pounds that you want to lose maybe it's time to change what you ought to move exercise from the "dislike" to the "like" column?
  • jsc4him
    jsc4him Posts: 40 Member
    I am 40 and it is harder! In the past all I had to do was watch what I ate and the weight came off. Now I have to work at it! But that's OK, it's worth it! :happy:
  • ivansmomma
    ivansmomma Posts: 500
    I will be blessed to be 60 next month, and it is definitely harder. I do like Leslie Sansone and have started back on the Wii Fit and Wii Sports. I try to do strength training (with the Wii mostly) as my doctor said this was really good to do as well. There are also some meds that will slow you down. As long as your clothes are starting to feel looser, and you are eating more healthy, that's the good signs that your lifestyle is improving. Take care.
  • catlady100
    catlady100 Posts: 154
    I've always had to work hard at it. When I was younger I had more free time to exercise, did only cardio, and could somehow get by on a lower calorie intake, so the weight did come off faster
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    I even noticed it's harder in my 30's that when I was younger.

    As far as exercise, it's actually good to have a variety. My favorite thing is to check on Netflix (or go to the library) and find fitness videos I've never done before and try them out for a week. It's free (if you already have netflix, or at the library). I also try to do some sort of resistance (lifting, yoga, pilates, etc) a couple of times a week.
  • Atlantique
    Atlantique Posts: 2,484 Member
    Your metabolism does NOT automatically slow with age. It slows with age if you've been inactive, as you've lost muscle mass. If you've been active, it shouldn't be that much different than it was when you were younger as you haven't lost much muscle mass.

    But if you have been inactive for a long time, yes, it is more difficult. You should be focusing on adding some strength training to your plan to preserve the muscle mass that remains and eventually to increase it. If you're female, you should also be interested in strength training to ward off osteoporosis as long as possible.
  • PJilly
    PJilly Posts: 22,167 Member
    Your metabolism does NOT automatically slow with age. It slows with age if you've been inactive, as you've lost muscle mass. If you've been active, it shouldn't be that much different than it was when you were younger as you haven't lost much muscle mass.

    But if you have been inactive for a long time, yes, it is more difficult. You should be focusing on adding some strength training to your plan to preserve the muscle mass that remains and eventually to increase it. If you're female, you should also be interested in strength training to ward off osteoporosis as long as possible.
    I agree. I may have been overweight for 30 years, but I worked out that entire time, so it makes sense that once I buckled down with the eating part, I was finally successful at getting and keeping the weight off.
  • bcbman
    bcbman Posts: 96 Member
    I am 64 and yes its definitely harder. I have worked out all my life but still slowly gained weight. When I retired about 8 years ago I had an extra 30 pounds or so but add 30 more as I enjoyed my retirement a tad to much. I started MFP around the beginning of June and have loss 20 pounds. I push myself really hard though and burn an extra 1000 calories from exercise everyday (weekly goal is 7000 calories a week). I don't eat back my calories. The weight comes off grudgingly even with my fairly high exercise level. The other difficult part is the body doesn't recover from exercise near as well as when young. So I have experienced many more pains and a lot of knee icing. Great thing is you can do it. The body can adapt amazingly well. Good luck with your weight loss.
  • fightingiris
    fightingiris Posts: 24 Member
    Definitely! Since you don't like to exercise, how about participating in a sport? Maybe take up tennis. I hate exercising too but I love getting out there and playing (or attempting to play) tennis or soccer with the kids. How about hiking or canoeing--you know, something fun but is really exercise.
  • liftingbro
    liftingbro Posts: 2,029 Member
    It can be harder becaus for men your testosterone level drop and you lose muscle mass and thus burn fewer calories. Many people are simply less active as they get older and don't adjust intake to match it.
  • Janworkingitout
    Janworkingitout Posts: 434 Member
    I started my journey last year at 51 years old. I had been really inactive and exercising was a challenge in the beginning, but it can be done. Try Leslie Sansone at home DVD's, I lost my first 40-50 lbs just doing her workouts. There are still some exercises I can't do ( push ups), but I'm no longer afraid to try different workouts. I've done many Jillian Michaels and Biggest Loser workouts, 30 DS, BL Cardio Max, etc.

    I'm now 52 years old, 71 lbs lighter, and feeling awesome!! I retrained my metabolism and feel like I'm in my 20's again.

    So go for it!
  • fionarama
    fionarama Posts: 788 Member
    I'm 42 and I find it harder simpley because I have a family now. You are busier when you are older, when you're young you do what you want when you want (well I did anyway!!!). I can't get to the gym as often as I like. When I'm swimming its with my3 year old, not laps up and down the pool. When I'm cooking its for 3 not just me.
    It must be very very hard if you've been unfit all your life and then you start at 50. Hats off to those on that journey!
  • PJilly
    PJilly Posts: 22,167 Member
    I'm now 52 years old, 71 lbs lighter, and feeling awesome!! I retrained my metabolism and feel like I'm in my 20's again.

    So go for it!

    YES!!! :happy:
  • XFitMojoMom
    XFitMojoMom Posts: 3,255 Member
    I think it is - My CrossFit trainer is 39, not only does she CrossFit, but she teaches Spin and she's a dragonboater (she's going to worlds this weekend in Tampa!) Her nutrition is spot on, but in the last year she's put on 13 pounds and having trouble losing it!

    I've been crossfitting for over a year now, and while it's taken off inches, I haven't lost a whole lot of weight. But I think that's the point - we don't just want to lose weight, but change our body composition.

    For those of you fighting the scale READ THIS: http://everydaypaleo.com/2011/06/22/attention-scale-addicts-part-2/
  • rosied915
    rosied915 Posts: 799 Member
    I am 50 and have been a YoYo dieter so my metabolism is a bit damaged from that. I am also an Overeater which means that I simply eat beyond stomach fullness and therefore STORE those extra calories. This has become a deeply ingrained habit and one that is hard to break.

    I mention the above issues because it might not simply be the "number" in our age that automatically makes weight loss so difficutlt but the longer amount of time we have been "abusing" our bodies compared to younger folks.
    I won't deny that, yes, our bodies change with age and those changes can contribute to slow weight loss, etc but that's not the only thing.......just something to think about.

    As for some fun exercise: I LOVE Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, Riding my Bike, Taking a Walk OUTSIDE or on a BEACH or with my DOGS, gardening.

    My traditional exercising includes Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, Ripped in 30 and soon I'll be doing her Kettlebell workout. I don't mind doing these because I am seeing some REAL changes in my body so it's not so bad.

    Hope this helps and hang in there!!
  • StormChaser217
    StormChaser217 Posts: 70 Member
    I have a treadmill and it's new , but it is a manual treadmill and I just cannot get it going right . I use to have a exercise bike and got rid of it because I did not have the room for it . I still do not have the room for one , but I miss having it . I use to exercise like 10 minutes at a time and that would round out to about 40 minutes a day . Now nothing zer0 . I keep thinking where could I sit one at . we live in an apartment . I am thinking of doing Tai Chi again , I did that before I think it is a relaxing exercise ( relaxing for the mind ) . Thank you all for your suggestions . I will take them into account .
  • atomdraco
    atomdraco Posts: 1,083 Member
    Nope and never. Look at Earnestine Shepard (http://ernestineshepherd.net/). Also I've had many MFP friends are older but no trouble doing it at all.

    It's about:
    * will power, self control
    * doing it the healthy and smart way
    * making it a lifestyle
    * learn to enjoy the process
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