As we age, we may start to notice our pants getting a little more snug or a beer belly where there used to be a six-pack of abs. Although carrying extra weight anywhere can put you at increased risk for health problems, extra weight around the middle can be particularly dangerous. Once we reach age 40, it becomes increasingly important to maintain a healthy weight, and especially to trim the extra fat from around the middle.
Features
To determine if you have too much fat around your middle, place a tape measure around your belly, just above your hip bones. According to SelfGrowth.com, men who measure more than 40 inches around have too much belly fat, while women should not measure more than 35 inches around.
Significance
Carrying extra weight around the middle puts you at risk for serious health problems. Belly fat is the most dangerous type of fat to have, since it surrounds all of the major organs, including the heart, pancreas, liver and intestines. According to SelfGrowth.com, too much belly fat can cause liver or heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some forms of cancer. Additionally, after age 40, too much stomach fat may also increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Cause
Sometimes, it is not just too many trips to the dessert table or skipping gym sessions that are to blame for an increasing waistline, especially as you age. According to That's Fit, starting in our 40s, our bodies go through changes that include a slowing of metabolism, making it more difficult to burn calories. As many as one out of five people over age 40 may have a thyroid condition that prevents their metabolism from working effectively, causing them to gain weight.
Prevention/Solution
Making changes to your diet and exercise program can help fight unwanted inches from creeping up around your middle. As you age, your activity level may start to decrease. Since weight gain is a result of taking in more calories than you burn, you will need to decrease your calorie intake in order to make up for less activity. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and other foods high in fiber. These foods will not only fill you up so you eat less, they help prevent constipation and belly bloat, which can make your stomach look even larger.
Exercise at least 30 minutes most days. Do cardiovascular exercises to burn calories, and strength training to builds muscle and help burn overall fat.
Warning
Consult your doctor before beginning any diet or exercise program. If you suspect a thyroid problem or other medical condition may be responsible for your weight gain, your doctor can do tests to determine if you have a condition that needs medical treatment.
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