Many people find it difficult to lose weight, but women who are age 40 or over are at a significant disadvantage. If you’re entering middle age and haven’t seen the results you want, it’s helpful to know you’re not alone. Here are some common reasons why losing weight isn’t easy for this demographic.

4 Causes of Weight Loss Difficulty for Older Women

1. Muscle Loss

As people age, they lose 3% to 8% of their muscle mass every year, which means they need fewer calories to fuel their bodies. Most individuals don’t account for this factor and continue eating as they have for years. These extra calories can become fat, increasing body mass and weight.

2. Reduced Sleep

Many women over age 40 sleep less than they did when they were younger due to menopause, having children, and busy work schedules. Being sleep-deprived can contribute to insulin resistance, where the body struggles to regulate glucose. This condition often triggers weight gain. 

3. Gender

People who were born female naturally have higher body fat and lower muscle mass than those who were born male. Men are often larger than women and can eat more calories because they have more muscle even as they age. Meanwhile, women are more likely to gain fat than muscle, especially in the second half of their lives.

4. Changing Estrogen Levels

Women enter perimenopause during their mid to late 40s. At this time, their ovaries produce less estrogen until they reach their 50s when they enter menopause and no longer release eggs. These changing estrogen levels often reduce the speed of their metabolism, which can encourage body fat deposits around the midsection, the sides of the lower back, the thighs, and the arms.

If you’re interested in learning how to lose weight, contact Gulf Coast UltraSlim in Baldwin County, AL, to learn about their noninvasive procedures to lose weight instantly. The clinic provides nonsurgical UltraSlim®, an FDA-approved red light therapy that reduces fat in specific areas. Call the Foley-area weight loss specialists at (251) 943-4948 or visit the website for information on their VitaminMed® supplements to curb appetite and lower the likelihood of regaining weight.