Hormones and Why It's Hard to Lose Weight Pemanently Over 40

Is it becoming harder and harder to lose weight permanently? Do you find you are eating less than you used to but you are nevertheless gaining pounds? This might have to do with your age- and the female hormone system makes permanent weight loss after 40 for women even harder.

Isn't easier to solve a problem when you know what causes it? So let's understand these hormonal shifts.

There are two groups of hormones contributing for your weight and your figure: the sex hormones (especially estrogens) and the thyroid hormones. The typical female figure is a result of estrogens: They form bust, thighs, belly and backside, slim the waist and soften the skin. Important to know if you want to lose permanently: The appetite is decreased by estrogens.

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is another essential hormone- the body uses it to produce numerous other hormones. DHEA prevents excess calories from being stashed away as fat - these calories are burnt instead. After age 40, the levels of DHEA and estrogens are decreased. For women over 40 this makes it tougher to lose weight permanently.

The hormones of the thyroid are required in metabolism and digestion. We feel energetic and are in a good mood if the thyroid gland works the right way. But: The thyroid is very sensitive and disturbances affect the whole body.