Aging and Your Metabolism, pt 2

The process of breaking down food for use as energy is called “metabolism”. The body breaks down food molecules to release the energy stored within them. This energy is needed for vital functions like movement, thought, growth — everything that we do requires the use of fuel. The body stores energy it does not need in the form of fat cells for future use. Increased activity results in increased metabolism as the body needs more fuel. The opposite is also true. With decreased activity the body continues to store energy in fat and does not use it up.   An aging senior is more likely to have a slower metabolism than a teenager.  Therefore, weight gain can be the result of increased intake of food, decreased activity, or both. Generally, the most desirable method of weight reduction is a diet that is moderate in calories and a lifestyle that engages in routine exercise.

It is recommended that caloric intake for men should range from 2,000 to 2,600 calories a day. This assumes men who are lightly to moderately active and who strive to maintain their weight. For women who are lightly to moderately active: 1,600 to 1,800 calories a day.

If you’re 50 or more and not physically active, the extra calories will add weight and increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and some kinds of cancer. It takes only 100 extra calories a day to end up with an extra 10 pounds at the end of a year. The key to preventing weight gain is to balance your calorie intake with the energy you expend through physical activity. Since certain nutrients become even more important as you age, you need to make the most of your limited calories by choosing low-calorie foods loaded with nutrients.

SHARE IT:

Leave a Reply