Mailbag: Gaining Weight DESPITE Eating Right? Here’s Why…

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted August 6, 2024

“Why am I gaining weight, even though I am watching what I am eating?”

Hi Frustrated Friend,

I don’t know if it helps to hear it (I suspect it does), but you’re not alone.

Many of us fight an uphill battle against the scale as we age, even when we’re doing “everything right.”

But what if I told you the culprit behind your weight gain might not be what’s on your plate, but what’s happening to your body as the years pass?

Welcome to the world of sarcopenia, the fancy scientific term for age-related muscle loss.

Our bodies naturally lose muscle mass starting as early as our 30s. We’re talking about three to five percent per decade, with the rate potentially doubling after 60.

Now, you might be thinking, “So what? I’m not trying to be a bodybuilder anyway.”

But here’s the issue. Muscle tissue is a calorie-burning powerhouse. It burns more calories at rest than fat tissue does. So, as you lose muscle mass, your metabolism naturally slows.

This means that even if you’re eating the exact same diet that kept you slim in your 20s or 30s, you might start gaining weight as you age. Your body simply isn’t burning calories as efficiently as it used to.

To make matters worse, if you’re not strength training, the calories you’re consuming might be more likely to be stored as fat rather than used to maintain or build muscle.

So, what can you do about it?

• Embrace strength training: Resistance exercises can help maintain and even build muscle mass as you age.
• Raise your protein intake: Muscles need protein to grow and repair. Aim for about one gram of protein per kilogram of body weight daily.
• Stay active throughout the day: Regular movement helps keep your metabolism humming.

Remember, while age-related muscle loss is natural, it’s not inevitable. With the right strategies, you can fight back against sarcopenia and keep your metabolism firing on all cylinders.

Of course, age-related muscle loss isn’t the only hidden cause of weight gain. Here are a few other sneaky culprits to watch out for:

• Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels
• Poor sleep habits disrupting hunger hormones
• Undiagnosed thyroid issues
• Medications with weight gain as a side effect
• Undetected food sensitivities causing inflammation

Addressing these factors and combating age-related muscle loss will leave you well-equipped to win the battle of the bulge, no matter your age.

P.S. Do protein needs drop with age? The SURPRISING answer!

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More By Dr. Scott Olson, ND