How Does Your Age Affect Your Metabolism?

Nov 09, 2018

Our bodies undergo a lot of changes as we age and let's face it, things don't always work the way they used to.

It's hard to accept that we're aging, and adulthood brings its fair share of challenges as our metabolisms rewire.

Although most of the changes we go through are perfectly natural, they can be a little distressing.

We don't want you to feel like your own body is out of your hands, so we've put together a guide that will help you understand exactly how your metabolism works from your 20s all the way through your 50s.

The transition from adolescence to early adulthood is one of the best times in your life physically. You can eat pretty much whatever you want and find that your body bounces back without any difficulty. Late-night fast food runs, college ramen diets and plenty of sugary coffee drinks don't have much of an impact, and exercising is more of a fun hobby than a necessity.

You don't experience fatigue often because your body has enough muscle mass to keep you going. Your metabolic rate will start to decrease as you approach 30, but the decline is steady, so you should adjust without too much difficulty.

The body's natural processes significantly slow down after you hit the big 3-0. This is the decade when your body will stop growing, so you'll lose muscle mass and have to start incorporating the gym into your weekly routine to stay in shape and feel energized.

The most significant decline in your metabolism will happen during your fourth decade of life. Hormone levels will fluctuate a lot, and you might feel like your body is undergoing the same rapid changes it did as a teenager due to the steep drop in estrogen and progesterone.

The 40s are the time when women will experience changes in their menstrual cycle and reproduction. Conceiving children may more difficult, and you'll lose a lot of muscle mass around age 45.

Working out, eating right and taking care of yourself will be especially important to combat the metabolic and hormonal changes you'll experience throughout this decade.

A lot of women put on weight as a result of menopause. Muscle mass is replaced with more fat in your 50s, and you'll require fewer calories than you used to to make it through the day.

Staying active and building muscle mass are top-priority.

No matter what age you are, your metabolic rate is influenced by a variety of things. Here are some of the most significant:

The sedentary life most of us live negatively impacts our bodies. Sitting all day at an office and then camping on the couch takes a toll over time, so get out there and start exercising! You should strive for at least 30 minutes of cardio five days a week.

Do you like to go for a walk or ride your bike on the weekends, or do you tend to sleep in late and lounge around all afternoon? Downtime is important, but make sure you incorporate physical activity into your free time.

Whether it's a dance class, yoga session or a nice stroll through the park with your dog, staying active is important at all ages. It might not directly improve your metabolism, but it will nevertheless help you maintain an overall healthy lifestyle.

Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Your sleep patterns also impact many important bodily functions and processes, and that includes your metabolism! Sleep problems are more common past age 30, so try to follow good sleep etiquette and avoid heavy foods before bed, stick to a schedule and wind down in the evenings before trying to sleep. 

Cold temperatures stimulate your metabolism while warmer weather slows it down. You don't need to pack up and move across the world at the turn of each season, but you should be aware of how the weather impacts your body to counteract any negative side effects.

1. Stay active throughout the day; aim for 10 minutes of physical activity each hour.
2. Eat more protein.
3. Drink enough water.
4. Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
5. Follow a healthy diet, and don't skip meals.

What are some of your best tips for staying fit and feeling your best? Let us know in the comments! Don't forget to share this list on your social media - we are sure your friends will find it informative.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!