Why does our body accumulate fat as we age?

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Over the years, our body begins to react painfully to changes in the weather, and we get used to seeing fat folds where the muscle relief used to be. What to do: to face old age with courage or to fight desperately with the mere thought that the best years are already behind us? Find the answer with (Pamela Peeke), M. D. and Fellow of the American College of Physicians.

Recently I was in the gym, where I worked on the biceps relief on the simulator. Usually, after finishing the next set, I give myself a little rest: I walk around the perimeter of the hall and drink some water, getting ready to start the next exercise. However, on that ill-fated day, for some reason I decided to rest, looking at my body in a large wall mirror. My eye was attracted by two small bodily folds, in appearance resembling dumplings, which with almost perfect symmetry peeped out of the armpit area.

"Wow! - I thought, - I now have two more breasts! Damn it!" I immediately tightened my muscles, and the nasty bulges disappeared. So what is it?

For many, the answer will sound like a sentence: my body has undergone age-related changes.

In fact, no one will be able to avoid this fate, even athletes who have devoted their entire adult life to sports. Over the years, the composition of body tissues changes, this becomes especially noticeable after reaching the age of 40. Fat begins to be unevenly redistributed throughout the body due to a number of factors.

Why is there more fat?

Decreased levels of sex hormones

After a man turns 30, testosterone levels inevitably begin to drop, by an average of 1% each year. By the way, this is quite enough to add a couple of extra folds of subcutaneous fat to your stomach, which will definitely not add beauty to your "six cubes".

Also, a decrease in testosterone levels will lead to the fact that fat begins to accumulate deep in the abdominal cavity, at the same time, and at the same time increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. First of all, this applies to men who lead a sedentary lifestyle and overeat, consuming more calories than they have time to burn.

As for women, when they reach 40 years of age, the next stage of life begins for them - the period of premenopause, which is still reproductive, but the likelihood of pregnancy is already beginning to decline. Due to the drop in estrogen levels, all the same age-related changes come into play, which imperceptibly change the shape of the female body from the "hourglass" to "pear" type.

This is because estrogen causes fat to be stored in certain areas of the body: the flanks, thighs, and buttocks, which serve as stores of nutrients for a woman's body to breastfeed. With the onset of premenopause, fat on the body begins to be deposited according to the same pattern as in men: inside and around the abdomen, making you more and more like a samovar in shape.

In addition, women of all sizes without exception can observe an increase in breast size up to one full size. The growth of the bust is often accompanied by the appearance of additional folds below its level, as well as in the armpit area. Voila, the secret of the appearance of "dumplings" is finally revealed!

Do not forget that absolutely everything outwardly changes with age, regardless of the constitution of the body. However, those who pay enough attention to health and play sports are more likely to look fit in old age.

Slow down metabolism

Usually, 50 to 70% of our vital energy is spent on metabolism. According to research data, after a person reaches 25 years of age, the basal metabolic rate begins to decrease by an average of 1–2% over 10 years, reducing the daily calorie intake by 150–200 kcal. By the time you are 50 or 60 years old, your metabolic rate may have dropped by 5% compared to those who are half their age.

The reason for the slowdown in metabolism lies in a decrease in the amount of muscle mass (with age, we become inactive). However, in this case, the changes will be almost imperceptible for those who regularly played sports throughout their lives, since their body is better adapted to physical activity and increased calorie consumption.

Heredity

Take a look at your parents and other direct relatives, in whose guise you can see hereditary traits. Of course, you won't necessarily look exactly the same at their age, but it is very likely. One thing you can be sure of one hundred percent: a healthy lifestyle and a sufficient level of physical activity will best affect your appearance at any age.

I would like to note: good heredity is only half the success. The key is a healthy lifestyle.

How to accept your new self

I decided to post photos of my "armpit dumplings" on my Facebook, accompanied by the following comments:

There is no remedy against unnecessary folds in the armpit area. Yes, you can and should monitor proper nutrition, portion size, exercise, alternating strength and cardio training. These measures will not completely solve the problem of appearance, but will allow you to look very good for your age.

It's even great not to be afraid and not to hide the signs of aging from prying eyes! After all, you are here, among all other people on this Earth, and you still have enough courage and strength. You should inspire admiration and be an example for those who have less motivation.

My Facebook feed literally exploded with inspirational comments, among which there were many useful tips and opinions on how to keep your body in shape despite age. One commentator wrote:

When you are already under fifty or a little over, it is important to treat this circumstance responsibly and with understanding. Your body begins to work differently, and the distribution of subcutaneous fat changes, even in those who regularly play sports. My way of dealing with the consequences of age-related changes is simple: get rid of those clothes that no longer fit me. And God bless her! Put on something different and go hiking for an hour.

Perhaps this is one of the most valuable tips in this case. Lead a healthy lifestyle, do not succumb to the attacks of old age! Rejoice in all your successes and stay mobile, because you are doing your best. Do you do it?

Every time, sorting out the wardrobe before the onset of autumn, I will definitely find things that I will never be able to wear again. At the same time, I weigh exactly the same as I weighed when I got married in 1984. But my body has changed a long time ago. Yes, years have spared no one, but in my sixties I still love hiking as I did 30 years ago.

When you are 45 or 50 years old, something in your body will certainly begin to wobble and creak, creating obstacles to regular exercise. But I repeat: you must not stop.