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Many people believe that once they turn 30, their metabolism is ruined and their weight loss journey can go as slow as a 200-year-old turtle. But is it an established scientific fact or just another myth? That’s what OPEX certified fitness coach and nutritionist, Zeina Kassas, explains and tells us everything we need to know about losing weight after 30.
Slow metabolism after 30: A fact or a myth?
Photo credit: Zeina Kassas
Kassas explains that it is true that a person’s metabolism can indeed slow down as they age, however, this is pretty much overestimated. Metabolism rate doesn’t suddenly drop once you turn 30. The metabolism process is a body function, and just like all body functions, it’s affected by the process of aging. As you age, hormones can encounter some imbalances that have an effect on your metabolism.
This is why you might be having a hard time losing weight after the age of 30.
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People always complain about having a hard time losing weight starting their thirties, however, the truth is that it even starts before thirties due to the unhealthy eating habits and endless temptations by modern food. Generally, people who become overweight or obese without a specific medical condition, tend to have unhealthy eating habits.
When one decides to lose weight, the first thing they opt for is cutting out carbs or go on a highly restrictive diet with too little calorie intake, in hopes of seeing faster results. It is neither healthy nor sustainable, in addition to having a negative effect on the body and its metabolic functions. Going on such restrictive diets might give you fast results at first, but the body won’t respond to it for a long period, which will trap you in the yoyo-dieting loop, and believe me, you don’t want to go there. So, thirties or not, take it slowly, steadily, and gradually.
That being said, Kassas advises people to start undergoing regular checkups and tests biannually as they turn 30, to make sure their body functions, hormones, and especially thyroids, are functioning properly.
Speeding up your metabolism as you age
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People think it’s rocket science, meanwhile, it’s very simple: eat well and keep moving. Kassas believes that everyone should be determined to stay active during their day. You can easily allocate 30-60 minutes per day to work out, whether at home or at the gym.
If you are unable to do that, consider ways to stay active during the day such as walking to the grocery store instead of driving the car, parking a little bit further from your destination to walk for a few minutes, taking the stairs instead of the lift, or walking during your son’s soccer practice. If you’re determined to do it, you’ll find ways to keep yourself moving.
I can’t lose weight and it’s frustrating!
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If one’s metabolism is not properly functioning, the key is to find the root cause of the problem and solve it. It could be due to a medical condition, bad eating habits, emotional eating, lack of movement, etc.
How can I ideally reach my weight goal after 30 if I am overweight or obese?
Photo credit: Instagram/Zeina Kassas (@bigzeeez)
Zeina has her golden rules for the ideal weight loss recipe, and they’re very simple:
- Practice any sport you like.
- Eat nutritious homemade food.
- Be patient with yourself and your body.
- Stay away from fade diets and detox programs and basically anything that says “Lose 7 kilos in 7 days” or “Burn belly fat in 10 days”.
And most importantly, if you reach your body shape goal, sustain your progress through practicing healthier eating habits, staying active, and staying hydrated.
Further reading: Join Every Mama’s Biggest Online Training Program by Rahet Bally
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