MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Weight loss and age

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Weight loss and age

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Illustrations Alternative Names	Information

Illustrations

Weight loss

Alternative Names Return to top

Age and weight loss

Information Return to top

Question:

Why does it get harder to lose weight with age?

Answer:

One must burn more calories than one takes in to lose weight at any age. This can be done either with caloric restriction or with exercise. Although metabolism slows down somewhat as we age, increasing weight with age is usually due to a drop-off in activity while dietary habits stay the same or get worse.

See also:

Update Date: 11/13/2007

Updated by: Michael Langan, M.D., Department of Geriatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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