The Obesity Paradox: When Losing Weight Is Dangerous
Are you overweight, over 60 and trying to slim down? Make sure you include muscle building exercise in your weight loss plan. Not only will you look better, chances are you’ll live longer!
A recent study from Finland followed more than 1,000 men from middle age to age 74. What researchers found was that, among men at high risk for heart disease at midlife, those who lost weight had a higher risk of illness and early death than those who didn’t lose weight. This study confirms what others have shown — that losing weight in old age can have negative consequences. It’s been called “the obesity paradox.” However, that doesn’t mean you should retire to your armchair with a bag of potato chips.
Researchers speculate that the reason it’s risky to go from being overweight or obese to normal weight when you’re older is that people tend to lose more muscle than fat when they drop pounds, which makes them frailer.
Sometimes older people lose weight because of illness or because of the natural tendency to lose muscle mass as we age, a condition known as sarcopenia. Or they simply cut back on calories. But maintaining muscle mass is a critical component of any weight loss plan and a necessary anti-aging strategy.
So if you’re overweight, work on improving your diet and getting regular exercise, including the kind that builds muscle. Cardiovascular exercise, like walking, biking or jogging isn’t enough. You need to work all your major muscle groups against resistance, whether it’s with gym equipment or at-home devices like barbells or resistance bands. Find a class or a personal trainer to help you get started if you’ve never done this kind of exercise before. Good form and proper range of motion are very important for safety and results.
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Weight loss supplement can help you lose weight safely without sacrificing critical muscle mass. But exercise will always be a part of the muscle boosting equation. Nutritional balance is important, too. Getting enough protein helps maintain and build muscle as does getting enough chromium in your diet.
