It is said that the older we get, the harder it is to lose fat. Why is that?
Theoretically, that is not true; however, as we age we tend to exercise less. In addition, our metabolism slows because we don’t exercise as much. If you continue to exercise as always, this is not a problem. In addition, you lose muscle mass as you age unless you do weights. If you don’t reduce your calories, don’t exercise, and don’t do weights, the extra calories will be deposited in the fat cells.
On problem with the exercise is that as we age, we cannot exercise like we used to. When younger, you can run a 10K on Sat and do a 20-miler on Sunday, but when you get older, you find you cannot do that anymore. Your body needs more rest and takes longer to recover. So, unless you correspondingly reduce your calorie intake, you will gain fat.
Dredging up some info from Cell Biology:
Differentiation of preadipocytes (“pre-fat cells”) into adipocytes (“fat cells”) is limited by age. (Before puberty, as I recall.)
Over eating leads to the increase in production of preadipocytes and an excess release of insulin.
Insulin, in turn, inhibits the regulation of preadipocyte differentiation and adipocytes are free to develop.
The extra number of adipocytes can then store tryglycerides. Excess tryglycerides lead to being overweight.
After puberty, the number of adipocytes cannot be decreased by physiological means (i.e., excercies and controlled diet) and any weight loss can only be from a decrease in the size (i.e., content) of the adipocytes.
Unfortunately, small adipocytes release a hormone called “adipsin”, which can stimulate the appetite center in the brain.
So, you’ll lose the weight but then you’ll be hungry.
So, yes, it is more difficult to lose weight as you age. Sorry.