Why is Weight Loss Harder After 40?

Over 70% of American adults are overweight or obese. The trends say it all: pounds accumulate with age. But don’t give up just yet. Medically supervised weight loss treatments can curb the statistics.

A staggering 70% of American adults are overweight or obese. If you’re part of that group, you’ve probably noticed that as time goes by, weight loss becomes more daunting than ever. The reasons behind it are complex, but the solutions are simpler than you might think.

Our expert at North Tex MedCare Clinic & Urgent Care, Dr. Frank Lee, explains why weight gain is so prevalent in 40-plus-year-olds and, most importantly, what can be done about it.

Why weight gain happens over 40

If you have a sedentary job, years of not exercising accelerate muscle loss.

Combined with the natural aging process, this creates a perfect storm for a slower metabolism and weight gain since muscle burns more calories at rest than fat. Even if you maintain the same eating habits, this shift can lead to gradual weight gain over time.

Hormonal changes, particularly low estrogen in women, can lead to more fat storage. Men also suffer as their testosterone levels decrease. Testosterone helps maintain muscle mass, but low testosterone decreases muscle, and muscle loss lowers metabolism.

A stressful lifestyle can also raise cortisol, the stress hormone, which can cause weight gain, particularly around the midsection.

What to do when nothing works

If dieting and exercise worked for everyone, Americans would be the slimmest nation on the planet, but as statistics indicate, most people who lose weight gain it back. To help you long-term, Dr. Lee provides research-based solutions for weight loss that make losing stubborn weight a breeze.

Some of the most popular options include:

Semaglutide
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)
Saxenda®
Contrave®

Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Saxenda mimic your body’s natural GLP-1 hormone, suppressing hunger and helping you reduce your caloric intake. Contrave is another appetite suppressant made from several medications that curb cravings and increase metabolism.

Weight loss becomes effortless when food isn’t on your mind, and you don’t have constant cravings. Dr. Lee also provides guidance in creating a healthy diet and an exercise regimen that works for your schedule and lifestyle.

Start the year with a resolution you can keep

It’s January — the time of year when many Americans make diet resolutions but fail to stick with them. This year, with expert help on your side, you’ll be able to fit into your old pants without frustration, hunger, or tears.

Medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have helped countless people lose weight and maintain their progress without the frustration of crash diets or fad programs.

Make 2025 the year you take charge of your health by giving yourself the gift of medically supervised weight loss. Contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Allen, Addison, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, Texas, to find out whether you’re a good fit.