Our body’s ability to digest food decreases as we age. And if you keep eating the same quantity of food without physical activities, you will eventually gain weight. Why does this happen? It’s because your metabolism becomes slower as you age. Besides, your body’s composition is no longer the same as when you were younger.
The primary source of energy is food. When you eat, your body will consume the nutrients from your food, giving you the power you need to get through the day. However, it’s important to remember that the more calories you eat, the more physically active you should be. Otherwise, you will gain unhealthy weight.
Causes of Unhealthy Weight
Before we discuss maintaining a healthy weight, let us first understand why people have unhealthy weight. Lifestyle, overall health, and food choices may have a significant impact on a person’s weight. But other factors need to be put into consideration too.
Overweight and Obesity
Obese people often blame a slow metabolism for their weight gain. But that’s not always the case at all. First and foremost, people gain weight due to overeating, particularly unhealthy food. In addition, overweight people tend to:
- Consume high energy food like takeaways and snacks
- Eat large food servings
- Avoid eating fruits and vegetables
- Drink a lot of sweet beverages like energy drinks, sports drinks, and soft drinks.
Underweight
Being underweight isn’t healthy too. Just because you’re not fat doesn’t mean you’re healthier than obese people. Underweight people do not eat an adequate amount of food. As a result, they are also prone to diseases as their immunity gets weak.
There are many reasons why people don’t eat right, including busy schedules and financial incapacity. In addition, some people suffer from eating disorders, which worsen without the proper medical care and treatment plan for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.
How to Maintain a Healthy Weight
Many things may affect your weight. Your genes, gender, age, habits, lifestyle, culture, and environment can significantly impact how you maintain your weight. Many of these critical factors may make it hard for you to gain or lose weight.
Ideally, keeping an active lifestyle and eating nutritious food are the key components in maintaining your weight and staying healthy at the same time. It’s vital to pick food rich in nutrients and be physically active at least two and a half hours a week.
To maintain your weight, you need to consume the same amount of calories you burn. On the other hand, you need to burn fewer calories than you drink and eat to gain more weight. And to lose weight, you must burn more calories than the food you consume.
Here are a few tips to help you maintain a healthy weight.
1. Follow a Well-balanced Diet
First of all, you need to limit the food you eat to control calorie intake. Learn how to compute macros so that you’ll be aware of your body’s nutrient requirements. It would help if you were cautious in picking the food you eat. Opt for nutritious meals that aren’t too high in calories. Find someone who can help you find the best food for you to have better food choices. Also, adding healthy snacks in the daytime is helpful if you wish to gain weight.
2. Exercise Regularly
Whether you’re trying to lose or gain weight, regular exercise is essential to build muscles and burn calories. Physical activities help maintain your weight and strengthen the body at the same time. Plus, it gives you a better physique, making you physically fit. Simple activities like jogging, cycling, and swimming are suitable for the body.
But if you want to have a better physique, strength training and weightlifting should also be part of your fitness regimen. The more intense your workout is, the more calories you burn.
3. Reduce Your Screen Time
It would also be helpful if you would limit your screen time. According to research, people who spend too much time watching TV or using mobile phones are more at risk of obesity. They spend most of their time sitting or lying down, and the time wasted being still could have been used to exercise and burn fat.
4. Consult Professionals
If you’re having a hard time keeping a healthy weight, consulting a specialist will be your best option. You’re probably suffering from an illness that affects your weight. If this is the case, you need to address the condition first, get treatment, and get better. Talk to your doctor to know if you’re doing things right. Consulting health experts and getting help from fitness instructors can help you achieve your weight goals.
Once you know what’s stopping you from achieving your weight goals, it’ll be easier for you to make the proper approach. A well-balanced diet and regular exercise can help you maintain your weight, while fitness instructors, dietitians, and doctors can help you get through the challenges of committing to a healthy lifestyle.
