A recent study from Harvard Medical School shows that being overweight or obese when you are middle-aged is an excellent indicator that you may not have much longer to live. The study also shows that young people who are of the heavier persuasion have an increased risk of dying when they reach a certain age as well. But the main difference between these two groups of people is in the difficulty of losing the weight. A teenager will usually have an easier time shedding pounds because older people often have slower metabolisms, less energy, and careers that can get in the way.
The study claims that while it may be easier and more beneficial for people to lose weight while young, it is never to late to see the benefits from weight loss. Those in their 40s and 50s who choose to lose their excess weight will see increased benefits and a longer life. Not only will their chance of heart disease decrease, but recent diabetes news suggests that if properly managed the harsh treatment methods may be reduced.
Now, if you are getting into your later years, you may think that it is too late to change your habits. Most people get stuck in routines and used to bad lifestyle choices which can take years off of their lives. Instead of doing nothing about it, middle-age people should take haste and visit the gym and eat better as soon as possible because it can still make a difference.
There are only two things that need to happen later in life in order for successful weight loss to occur: diet and exercise. While this may seem overwhelming for the uninitiated, it is as easy as keeping track of numbers. The average person needs around 2,000 calories in order to function throughout the day. By altering certain foods to get the correct caloric intake, you can manipulate your diet to be more efficient. In order to lose a pound every week, you will need an overall deficit of 3,500 calories.
A more efficient way to fill up and not go over your daily calorie allowance is to eat foods that are rich in fiber such as nuts, beans, fruits, and vegetables. They may not seem as appealing as a Big Mac at first, but your body will thank you for it by functioning better and reducing the symptoms of diabetes.
Along with keeping tabs on your caloric intake, you should also set numbers to the amount of exercise your perform. By purchasing a pedometer you can see how much you are actually walking throughout the day and adjust your levels of activity according to your weight loss goals. If you are looking to seriously get into shape, workout on a treadmill or elliptical to know exactly how many calories you are burning by entering your weight.
Once you are accustomed to working out regularly, start to challenge yourself with tougher routines. The Livestrong website suggests jogging outside at night on a regular basis in order to burn the most calories. By constantly increasing your goals you might even transform yourself from a sedentary vegetable to a well toned athlete over time.
Nora Charles is a freelance writer that has worked with many bloggers for several years now.