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Is losing weight a matter of age?
How to lose weight fast is a question that many wonders and want to achieve. However, beyond the methods used, the real diatribe is usually age.
For a long time there has been a false belief that the older you are, the less capacity you have to lose weight. Fortunately for the crowd, the reality is totally different and backed by science.
Research conducted in the UK
A deep investigation was recently carried out on the premise in question. Is weight loss an issue literally rooted in age?
For this purpose, a sample population of more than 240 randomly selected people was taken. In particular, the participants had in common their past stay at WISDEM (Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism).
Additionally, all were cataloged within the nutritional group known as "morbid obesity". That is, individuals whose BMI (Body Mass Index) exceeded 40 points within that scale.
Among other details, the ages ranged from 50 to 78 years as such. Once the initial anthropometric measurements were taken, the strategy was opened. With it, each person entered a nutritional and training plan adapted to their anatomy.
The study concluded by emphasizing that the population between the ages of 60 and 78 lost an approximate 8% of weight. On the other hand, those under 59 years of age achieved a 7% success rate in terms of losing extra kilos.
In conclusion, the research summarizes that, through proper advice, training and nutrition, it is possible. Age did not become an impediment, exponentially improving the quality of life of patients.
At the same time, the risk of comorbidities linked to excessive obesity decreased. Metabolic diseases such as diabetes and other chronic diseases such as high blood pressure reduced their level of appearance in the contestants.
Getting old is not synonymous with gaining weight
The study perpetuated by the WISDEM also highlights an essential milestone. He himself emphasizes getting older is not directly synonymous with gaining weight, no matter how strongly it is believed.
However, it calls for a change in nutritional and/or personal training policies and strategies. According to the testimony of the patients approached in the investigation, many do not feel included in the anti-obesity programs.
They argue that weight loss in the elderly is not exposed among the priorities to follow. On the contrary, they are age groups that are less likely to drastically modify their lifestyle, starting with their diet and physical habits.
But, knowing that getting older is not an absolute obstacle to being in shape, reality can change. As already mentioned, personalized advice and the impetus to improve are required.
On the other hand, focus programs and methodologies according to each age, without proclaiming a feeling of exclusion. In this way, progress will be made towards a healthier society with a lower risk of comorbidities.
Other myths about obesity that are worth clearing up
Once the idea that losing weight in old age is not difficult is established, it is time to clarify other scenarios. Here are some essential myths that revolve around obesity:
Not everything is diet and exercise
While it is true that diet makes up 70% of a healthy weight loss routine, it is not everything.
Although it is combined with regular exercise, other relevant factors must be taken into account.
Currently, it is considered that sleep, stress, metabolic defects and chronic diseases condition the loss of that. Subjecting the body to situations of insomnia, the tension of stress and, above all, dealing with underlying pathologies will make the process difficult.
Given this, from an early age it is advisable to attend consultations and constant check-ups with the doctor. It will mislead any eventuality, helping to prevent the risk factors that trigger obesity.
Obesity is not a disease
A dangerous belief that is being generated is one that highlights obesity as a "normal state". The constant policies and movements of inclusion or acceptance are leaving aside the strong scientific evidence that is handled.
Qualified bodies such as the World Health Organization promulgate this condition as a disease. And not just any, but a multifactorial chronic condition with an exuberant number of consequences.
In short, it should not be taken lightly, and you should go to specialized medical care. If normalized, the current obesity epidemic (39% of the current adult population according to WHO), will continue to increase.
It is contagious and not hereditary
Obesity is a disease that is secondary to multiple factors. Based on this, it is not yet concluded that it is really contagious for the environment.
Having obese relatives, friends or acquaintances is not strictly a condition. However, an environment of trust should not be generated, since there is also a high risk, especially due to kinship in lifestyles.
Another common mistake or belief is to think that obesity is not hereditary. Indeed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) promulgate a different picture. To date, more than 50 genes go hand in hand with the succession of being overweight.
It means that, although relatives cannot "infect" obesity, they can pass it from generation to generation. The risk is latent, giving rise to greater care and attention paid.
Diabetes and obesity have the same definition
The medical literature calls attention to people who consider obesity as diabetes and vice versa. It is not convenient to mix both terminologies because they act in different ways.
Not all patients develop diabetes from obesity and the same goes for the opposite. Despite this, not letting your guard down is a non-negotiable tactic to avoid any counterproductive health situation related to these diseases.
