As we get older, our bodies undergo a lot of changes. This includes our metabolism. Once you hit 40, you may notice it’s a bit harder to lose weight than it was for you in your 20’s and ever 30’s. This is the natural progression of things, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything you can do to help the process.
Dr. Holly Lofton, director of medical weight management at NYU Langone Health, says that after turning 30 years old, the body naturally stops bone production, which greatly affects the overall function of the metabolism.
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“If we don’t increase muscle-mass production, overall metabolism goes down,” Dr. Lofton tells The Cut, noting that our bodies accumulate fat mass more quickly when we stop producing new bone.
To help offset this natural change to your metabolism, experts say that incorporating more vitamin D into your diet can give you a boost.
Studies have shown that vitamin D can help double your weight loss due to its important role in burning energy in the body. Boston University researchers say you can lose twice as much weight while dieting if you take 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily. This is because of the vitamin’s ability to transport dietary fats into muscle cells where they are burned as energy instead of converted into body fat.
Taking a daily vitamin D pill, in addition to eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can be extremely beneficial to those looking to lose weight in their 40’s.
"Metabolism decrease is an inevitable part [of aging],” Dr. Lofton continues. “But we can offset it by being very, very careful. Monitoring your physical activity as well as your food intake and your metabolism takes a lot of work.”
*Always consult with your doctor before incorporating new vitamins and supplements into your diet to ensure it is right for you.
