1. You’re experiencing age-related muscle loss. The amount of lean muscle mass naturally beings to decline by 3 to 8 percent per decade after age 30. You may also lose muscle if you are less active due to age related health conditions or an injury from surgery for several days. All of these individually do not cause a significant decline, but collectively the surely do. Lean muscle uses more calories than fat, so unless you are regularly strength training with weights to maintain and build muscle, your body will need fewer calories each day.

  2. Both men and women undergo changes in hormone levels as part of aging. For women it occurs between 45 and 55 and causes a significant drop in estrogen that encourages extra points around the belly. Men however experience a significant drop in testosterone as they age, which begins to gradually decline around age 40 at a rate of 1 to 2 percent per year.

  3. That decrease in muscle mass Is likely to slow your metabolism. Having more fat and less lean muscle reduces calorie burning. 
  • Focus on healthy foods full of more fiber
  • Downsize portions
  • Stay well hydrated
  • Give your major muscle groups a workout