It is Possible to Lose Weight As You Age

Have you ever felt like losing weight is a losing battle as you get older? Yes, there are legitimate reasons why it’s harder to lose weight as the years roll by(1), but a recent study dispels the myth that it’s impossible.

Researchers randomly assigned 242 obese patients who went through a hospital-based weight loss program to one of two groups: <60 years and ≥60 years. The program was solely a lifestyle-based intervention, focusing on individually-tailored dietary changes, psychological support and encouragement of physical activity.(2)

Surprisingly, there were no significant differences in weight loss between the groups. Both age groups lost about 7% of their body weight, which is noteworthy since 5-10% loss of body weight is associated with significant health benefits.(4,5)   

Hope for your weight loss goal

The findings of this study indicate that older age, in itself, is not a barrier to making lifestyle changes that lead to weight loss and help combat  obesity. In fact, some studies show the opposite: older age is a predictor for compliance with lifestyle programs for obesity and successful weight loss.(2) 

That means age-related weight gain can’t be blamed solely on getting older. 

The good news: something can be done about it and it’s never too late to make positive lifestyle changes.

Start positive lifestyle changes today. Here’s how.

Increasing dietary fiber is one evidence-based, lifestyle weight loss strategy for healthy eating.(6) That means adding more fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds to your meals.

Our Full Plate Weight Loss Program is available for free if you want help with doable steps you can start taking today. Click here to join our free program membership.

Click here for a printable booklet in English or Spanish for steps you start to reach your weight loss goals. 

If you are under medical supervision for any reason, check with your doctor before following these recommendations.

References:

1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-weighty-issue-of-weight-loss

2. Eimear Leyden, Petra Hanson, Louise Halder, Lucy Rout, Ishbel Cherry, Emma Shuttlewood, Donna Poole, Mark Loveder, Jenny Abraham, Ioannis Kyrou, Harpal S. Randeva, FT Lam, Vinod Menon, Thomas M. Barber. Older age does not influence the success of weight loss through the implementation of lifestyle modification. Clinical Endocrinology, 2020; DOI: 10.1111/cen.14354 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cen.14354

3. Khaodhiar L, McCowen KC, Blackburn GL. Obesity and its comorbid conditions. Clin Cornerstone. 1999;2(3):17-31. doi: 10.1016/s1098-3597(99)90002-9. PMID: 10696282.

4. Wing RR, Lang W, Wadden TA, et al. Benefits of modest weight loss in improving cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2011;34(7):1481-1486. doi:10.2337/dc10-2415

5. Apovian CM, Okemah J, O'Neil PM. Body Weight Considerations in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes. Adv Ther. 2019 Jan;36(1):44-58. doi: 10.1007/s12325-018-0824-8. Epub 2018 Nov 21. PMID: 30465123; PMCID: PMC6318231.

6. RamageStephanie, FarmerAnna, Apps EcclesKarena, and McCargarLinda. Healthy strategies for successful weight loss and weight maintenance: a systematic review. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. 39(1): 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2013-0026