Struggling to lose weight? Here's what may be happening.

Did you know that 68% of adult men in the UK are considered overweight or obese, compared to 58% of women. Losing weight is different as we get older, and different strategies are needed depending on your age and sex.

Excess weight is linked to many health issues.

For example, cholesterol and blood glucose levels are likely to be raised if you are overweight. Gout is more common in men who need to lose weight. Excess weight is a significant risk factor for Type II Diabetes as well as some cancers, including colon and kidney.

That extra weight you’re carrying also affects your joints, resulting in arthritis and other joint pain.

A factor in age-related weight gain is the gradual decline in Testosterone levels for men, and sharp decline of oestrogen and testosterone for women. Testosterone has an important role to play in protein synthesis and growth hormones, which are two key factors in building muscle mass.

Insulin also plays a key role in weight gain as we get older. Insulin is a fat storage hormone, moving glucose into our cells where it is used to make energy.

Our microbiome also plays a key role in weight gain. Each of us has a unique microbiome that interplays with how we process carbohydrate, protein and fat. Maintaining good gut health can help weight management.

Lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep as well as what and how much you put on your fork, along with your age and activity, all contribute to your weight balance.

Drop me a line to talk about how I can help build you a successful plan to lose the weight, so you can feel leaner, fitter and healthier.

Deborah McTaggart is a Nutritionist practising in Barnes, South West London, near Chiswick, Sheen, Putney, Hammersmith and Richmond. She has a special interest in weight loss for men and women, as well as men’s mid-life health.