Risks of Gaining Weight as You Get Older

Is it OK to put on a little weight every 5-10 years? That weight just seems to creep up sometimes, doesn’t it? Extra weight can ultimately cause new medical problems as you get older. Here are some reasons why and what you can do to help keep yourself healthy, strong, and active for a long time.

While people tend to gain weight as they get older, the total pounds gained is not as much a concern as the composition of the body. An older adult has more fat tissue than lean muscle compared to a younger adult. The extra fat can act as an active organ in the body, secreting hormones that influence appetite control, energy balance, and insulin levels. It can also release inflammatory substances that can lead to the metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the arteries).

As the new fat infiltrates muscle and collects around the belly the body’s metabolic rate (or basic energy usage) will decrease, strength will be reduced, and risk for diabetes will increase. As you slow down, feel fatigued, and gain weight the body will lose muscle strength from lack of use. Bones can lose strength from less exercise and activity. Your total weight on the scale may stay the same but you might find your measurements have changed. Your belt might be too tight! Waist measurements have been found to be a risk factor for developing complications of obesity. Men should have a “true” waist circumference (the widest part) of <40>.