Mayo Clinic Care Network Content
Articles

Aging: What to expect

Your weight

What's happening

How the body burns calories is a process called metabolism. Metabolism slows down as you age. If you become less active as you age but keeping eating the same way as usual, you'll gain weight. To stay at a healthy weight, stay active and eat healthy.

What you can do

To stay at a healthy weight:

  • Include physical activity in your daily routine. Regular physical activity can help you stay at a healthy weight.
  • Eat a healthy diet. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein such as fish. Limit sugar and foods high in saturated fat.
  • Watch your portion sizes. To take in fewer calories, keep an eye on your portion sizes. Don't eat until you feel stuffed.