Metabolism after 30, 40 - what changes and how to support your body? Proven ways to speed up your metabolism

The slowing down of metabolic processes after the age of 30 has to do with how our body reacts to food – how much insulin, glucagon is secreted, what kind of peptides are formed in the gut. The metabolic rate depends on whether our body wants to use the food for current needs, store it as fat or convert it into muscle mass. Another issue is various metabolic and endocrine disorders, which can lead to deficiencies in certain vitamins, which will consequently impair the correct mechanisms in our body. Genes account for only 10-15% when it comes to maintaining the ideal figure for years to come. There are, of course, people who are generously endowed by fate who can afford to count their calorie intake and lead a moderately active lifestyle, but most of us do not get a discount and have to watch what we eat, when we eat and what types of exercise we do.

The effects of a sluggish metabolism are felt by both men and women, and in women it is often linked to the decision to expand the family. In pregnant women, the metabolic rate slows down as the body prepares for the conception of a child. Correct weight gain during pregnancy assumes a weight gain of 11-13 kg. The older the woman gets, the greater the weight gain can be – up to 30 kg. It is not easy to lose weight after pregnancy, as breastfeeding ladies experience increased prolactin levels. This is associated not only with general weight gain, but also with a tendency to accumulate fat in the abdominal area, which increases the risk of abdominal obesity. Excessive production of estrogens, on the other hand, can lead to weight gain around the breasts, thighs and buttocks, especially if contraceptive drugs or hormone replacement therapy are used.

Men have it much easier when it comes to maintaining a slim figure, as testosterone helps them to do so. It is also sometimes used in small doses in women, as it effectively speeds up the metabolism and helps regulate weight. However, a problem that men are increasingly seeing their doctor about is premature andropause (at 20-30 years of age). It particularly affects those men who, as teenagers, struggled with excessive body weight. In such situations, early diagnosis and the right treatment to halt the changes in the body are crucial. A symptom of hormonal disorders in men is also the so-called „beer belly” which indicates an excess of estrogens in the body. However, excessive alcohol consumption is only one of the factors responsible for the accumulation of abdominal fat. A diet rich in simple sugars or the long-term intake of large quantities of anabolic substances also have an impact.

Perimenopause is the period in every woman’s life when her body is preparing for menopause. This is when the first hormone deficiencies may appear, which will qualify the patient for replacement therapy. A woman can proceed to it after ruling out contraindications, i.e. the risk of cancer, thrombophilic changes and certain psychiatric disorders. The benefits of replacement therapy are many – slower ageing of the body, a longer functioning mind, lower cardiovascular risk, a very positive metabolic effect. However, the issue that needs special attention is bone health. According to statistics, osteoporosis, especially in women, can be more serious in its consequences than cancer or metabolic disorders. We can prevent it by prevention and by taking appropriate treatment. The cause of osteoporosis is most often a reduction in the level of estrogen in the body, so by supplementing this hormone to improve metabolism, we are at the same time reducing the risk of bone disease.

Andropause in men is most commonly manifested by functional hypogonadism, a condition in which the testicles do not produce adequate testosterone. The most common symptoms include reduced libido and erectile problems, but also a decrease in muscle mass and physical strength. There is also a slowing down of metabolism, resulting in an increase in body weight, especially visceral fat deposited on the abdomen and internal abdominal organs.

How to boost metabolism during andropause? Aerobic exercise, weight training, eating at regular intervals, getting into the habit of drinking water and using spices to improve digestion on a daily basis can all help. An increased intake of wholesome proteins found in meat, fish and seafood, eggs and dairy products will also help to increase the metabolic rate.

When talking about metabolism after the age of 40, the most important thing is diet and regular physical activity. However, before deciding to implement a healthy lifestyle, it is advisable to see a clinical dietician who can suggest how to improve metabolism, which will result in weight reduction. After all, a correct metabolism depends on the supply of calories, because it is from food that we derive the energy we need to live. Dietary supplements also provide support for the metabolism in mature people, especially if they are unable to provide their bodies with sufficient nutrients from food. Last but not least, diagnosis is important to detect possible changes in the hormonal balance at an early stage of development. It is this that gives us knowledge of the chemical processes taking place in the body.
For those with a genetic predisposition to figure abnormalities, such as women with lipaemia (fat oedema/fatty leg disease), surgical methods to remove excessive fatty tissue can be helpful.

Modern medical technology offers many opportunities to support the metabolism in people with both hormonal disorders and genetic predispositions. A visit to a specialist will help determine basal metabolism, i.e. the minimum amount of energy the body needs to maintain basic vital functions at rest. A deeper diagnosis by assessing the total metabolism, i.e. the body’s 24-hour energy expenditure, which takes into account the basal metabolism and physical activity, will in turn help to decide on the use of targeted medical therapies, such as oxygen therapy in a hyperbaric chamber.

At NAMI Medical Resort, we have a state-of-the-art, multi-seat hyperbaric chamber, accommodating up to 12 people at a time. Its capabilities are far superior to standard 1 or 2-person chambers, offering more intensive and effective therapy, the effects of which can be felt after just a few sessions.

NAMI Medical Resort exclusively offers medical programs.