In a program to combat obesity conducted by Warwick Medical School in the United Kingdom, weight loss was not influenced by age, with statistically equivalent results for people under the age of 60. The study has shown that weight loss is a determining factor at any age but how, as we age, we are more likely to develop comorbidities related to obesity.
Many of these are similar to the effects of aging, so it could be argued that the importance of weight loss increases as we age, but not that it is difficult to achieve. The authors of the British study highlighted how weight loss can help older people cope with more than 50 common age-related comorbidities, including diabetes, osteoarthritis and mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Increased mortality and a general lack of well-being in the elderly are also associated with obesity.
between 2005 and 2016.
The researchers divided the sample into two groups: people under 60 and people between the ages of 60 and 78. All participants had "morbid obesity at first," with BMI measurements above 40. The analysis compared the results of weight loss in the two groups, supported by changes in eating plan, exercise, and psychological and motivational support. The results: Weight loss in both groups was statistically equivalent. People in the older group lost an average of 7.3% of their body weight, while those in the under 60 group lost 6.9% .
Medication and weight gain
Some medications can interfere with weight loss, even leading to an increase in some cases.
- atypical antipsychotics, especially olanzapine, quetiapine and risperidone,
- anticonvulsants and mood stabilizers, especially gabapentin,
- hypoglycemic drugs, such as tolbutamide,
- glucocorticoids used to treat rheumatoid arthritis
- some antidepressants.
Foods that increase the risk of weight gain include:
- fried foods
- fatty and processed meats
- many dairy products
- foods with added sugar, such as baked goods, ready-made breakfast cereals, and cookies
- foods containing hidden sugars, such as ketchup and many other canned and packaged foods
- sugary juices, sodas and alcoholic beverages
- processed and carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread and bagels
- foods that contain high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener, including salty foods, such as ketchup.
Physical activity
Many people lead a much more sedentary lifestyle than their parents and grandparents.
Examples of sedentary habits include:
- working in an office rather than doing manual jobs
- watching TV on the sofa instead of exercising outdoors
- go to places by car instead of walking or cycling
The less a person moves, the fewer calories he burns. In addition, physical activity affects the functioning of hormones, which in turn determine how the body metabolizes food. Getting around can, for example, help keep insulin levels stable which, if out of balance, can lead to to weight gain.
It is not necessary to attend classes in the gym: it will be enough to dedicate 40 minutes a day to physical activity, such as walking or cycling. However, the type and intensity of the activity can influence the degree of benefit to the body in the short term. long term.
Sleep
Lack of sleep and disorders involving not rest increase the risk of gaining weight and developing obesity. Sleep deprivation can lead to obesity because it contributes to hormonal changes that increase appetite. When a person does not sleep. enough, the body produces ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite. At the same time, the lack of sleep also results in a lower production of leptin, a hormone that reduces it.
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