Understanding Metabolism Changes with Age and Its Implications for Health

Understanding Metabolism Changes with Age and Its Implications for Health

Do you often think about that time when you could eat whatever you wanted and still maintain a slim figure? It seems like a distant memory now, doesn't it? As you age, your metabolism slows down, making it easier to gain weight and more challenging to lose. Have you ever wondered why this happens? Come, let’s decode the connection between metabolism and age!

Metabolism is the process by which your body converts food into energy. As you grow older, your metabolism slows down, and your body burns fewer calories than before. No wonder fat might accumulate on your belly faster than you imagine as you age!

In this blog, we'll explore how metabolism changes with age and how it affects health. We'll also discuss strategies to bring your metabolism on track and maintain a healthy weight. Are you ready to outsmart the ageing process? Let’s first understand what metabolism is!

What is metabolism?

Isn’t our body an amazing machine? It performs countless tasks and ensures all the processes are smooth. One such process that keeps you alive and functioning is metabolism. Before we understand the relationship between metabolism and age, let’s look at the main processes involved in metabolism:

  • Energy conversion: Your body breaks down food into nutrients and converts them into energy, which powers your cells and organs.
  • Breathing: Your lungs inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, providing your cells with the oxygen they need to function.
  • Blood circulation: Your heart pumps blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your cells and removing waste products.
  • Cell maintenance: Your cells constantly repair and renew themselves, which requires energy and nutrients.
  • Digestion: Your digestive system breaks down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed into your bloodstream.
  • Waste elimination: Your body eliminates waste products, such as carbon dioxide and faeces, through your lungs, kidneys, and intestines.

As you can see, metabolism is a complex network of processes essential for life. But once it slows down, your weight shoots up. No worries! The Good Bug’s Metabolically Lean probiotic is a highly recommended product for boosting metabolism, helping you get closer to weight loss goals! Listen to true stories of users who have witnessed significant changes in their metabolism and weight.


Key concepts in metabolism

Can you manage your weight by limiting your food intake? Well, it would’ve worked in your 20s, but as you age, you’re prone to gaining weight even if you do not eat much. Everything lies in your metabolism. So, how does the rate at which you burn calories play a role here? Let’s grasp a few important concepts in metabolism to understand how it changes with age.

  • Basal metabolic rate (BMR):
    •
    • BMR is the minimum energy (number of calories) your body needs to function while resting and fasting.
    • You can calculate your BMR by taking your height, weight, sex, and age into account.
    • Your BMR naturally slows down as you age, meaning your body burns fewer calories at rest.
  • Total Energy Expenditure (TEE):
    •
    • TEE is the total number of calories you burn each day.
    • It includes your BMR, the energy you expend through physical activity, and the energy your body uses to digest and process food.
    • As you age, your TEE tends to decrease, making it easier to gain weight.

    Are you tired of dealing with obesity? Control your weight gain with The Good Bug’s Metabolic Fiber Boost! This product contains GLP-1 and fiber, which help regulate hunger hormones and reduce appetite. Simply add a scoop of this prebiotic in a glass of water or juice and gulp it down for the best results!

    Why does metabolism slow down when you age?

    We’ve reiterated that metabolism slows down with age, but why does it happen? What changes does your body undergo when you become old, and how does it affect your metabolism? Let’s find out the science behind it!

    • Loss of muscle mass: We lose muscle mass as we age, especially if we're not physically active. Muscle is a metabolically active tissue that burns calories even at rest. So, as we lose muscle mass, our overall metabolic rate decreases.
    • Reduced physical activity: Do we run at the same pace as when we were 30 years old? Don’t we use lifts instead of stairs? These are signs that we’re becoming less active as we age. We tend to restrict our movements for various reasons, such as health issues, decreased mobility, or simply a slower pace of life. Less physical activity means fewer calories burned, contributing to weight gain and a slower metabolism.
    • Hormonal changes: Hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism. As we age, hormonal changes such as decreased levels of thyroid and sex hormones can affect metabolic rates in some individuals.
    • Genetic factors: Genetics also affect how our metabolism functions. Some people may have a naturally slower metabolism, while others may have a naturally faster one.

    Changes in metabolism through different life stages

    Changes in metabolism are not as evident as you think, unlike other physical changes that you witness as you age. We often feel disheartened when we see one or two strands of grey hair. But do you think that’s what matters to your health? Our metabolism, the rate at which our bodies burn calories, changes significantly throughout our lives. Let's explore how metabolism and age are intertwined and see how it evolves during different life stages:

  • Neonatal stage (1 month to 1 year): During this stage, metabolism is at its peak. Infants burn a significant amount of energy for growth and development. Around 7 months, infants experience a growth spurt, leading to a temporary increase in metabolic rate.
  • Childhood and adolescence (1 to 20 years): As children and adolescents grow, their metabolic rate increases to support their growing bodies. However, when adjusted for size, their energy expenditure tends to decline slightly during this stage.
  • Adulthood (20 to 60 years): In adulthood, total and basal energy expenditure remain relatively stable, assuming a consistent level of physical activity. However, individual variations can occur due to factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and health conditions.
  • Older Adulthood (>60 years): As we age, our total energy expenditure (TEE) and basal metabolic rate (BMR) naturally decline. This decline is often accompanied by a loss of fat-free mass (muscle) and an increase in fat mass, further contributing to a slower metabolism.

    • Are you determined to lose weight? If so, the Weight Management Super Bundle from The Good Bug is an excellent choice! This prebiotic and probiotic combo pack offers diverse health benefits, from managing weight to regulating blood sugar. Include it in your regime, and experience faster results!

    Effects of metabolic changes on health

    Since metabolism is not a process we can see, does it not affect our health in any way? Indeed, weight gain is a major concern, but other than that, do metabolic changes impact your health? Surprisingly, yes! Besides affecting your weight, these changes significantly impact your energy levels and overall well-being. Let's peek at how metabolism and age can influence your body:

  • Body weight and fat distribution: As metabolism slows down, losing weight does not seem as easy as putting on weight. The distribution of body fat also changes with age. Fat accumulates in the midsection, leading to a less desirable body shape.
  • Energy requirements and dietary considerations: As the metabolic rate declines, your body requires fewer calories to maintain the current weight. Failing to adjust your diet to reflect your decreased calorie needs can lead to weight gain. Though a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is essential, you may need to consume fewer calories overall.
  • Muscle mass loss: A decline in muscle mass can further contribute to a slower metabolism. Muscle is a metabolically active tissue that burns calories even at rest. As you lose muscle mass, your body's overall metabolic rate decreases, making it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it. Loss of muscle mass can also lead to decreased strength, reduced mobility, and increased risk of falls and injuries.

    • Did you know changes in metabolism can affect your gut health, too? Listen to what our expert biomedical scientist, Mr. Anant Agarwal, says about this intricate connection and how Metabolically Lean supports your digestive system. 


    Strategies for improving metabolic health

    Poor metabolism can lead to weight gain, but that’s just the beginning. Be prepared to note many changes like obesity and blood sugar hikes. If you do not want a series of health conditions, it’s better to start controlling your metabolism and boosting your energy levels. By incorporating these effective strategies into your lifestyle, you can improve your metabolic health and feel your best:

  • Fuel your body with a nutrient-rich diet: Prioritise fruits and vegetables, which are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. Include lean proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes to build and repair tissues and boost your metabolism. Opt for whole grains over refined grains, as they provide fiber and complex carbohydrates that sustain energy levels.
  • Embrace a more active lifestyle: If you have a desk job, try moving around or setting up a high table to stand and work regularly. You could also take short walks or do household chores to encourage movement. Following your interests (exercise, dance, or swimming) will reduce the chances of falling out of a routine. Incorporating strength training exercises will also help build muscle mass and boost your metabolic rate.
  • Prioritise rest and recovery: To ensure quality sleep, follow a consistent sleep pattern and create a relaxing sleep environment. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Adequate sleep is essential for regulating hormones that influence metabolism. Practice relaxation techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce stress and promote overall well-being.

    • We know it’s hard to accept, but your body changes as you age, and a decline in metabolic rate can hinder your efforts to manage a healthy weight. Understanding the relationship between metabolism and age will help you take active steps to counteract the adverse effects on your health. Follow the simple strategies outlined in this blog, and you’ll be well on your way to improving your metabolic health, boosting your energy levels, and ageing gracefully!

    Don’t want to settle for anything less when it comes to your health? The Good Bug offers a range of clinically tested prebiotics and probiotics to support your journey. Visit our website today to learn more and discover how our products can help you feel your best at every age.

    References

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9374375/

    https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/how-much-does-your-metabolism-slow-down-as-you-age

    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/surprising-findings-about-metabolism-and-age-202110082613

    https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/why-metabolism-slows-as-you-age#

    https://today.duke.edu/2021/08/metabolism-changes-age-just-not-when-you-might-think

    https://nutrabay.com/magazine/the-truth-about-metabolic-age-its-importance-for-health

    https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/metabolic-age

    Back to blog