Weight Gain And The Impact On Your Body

When you’re over 50, even the slightest weight gain can add further stress to the mind and body. And with the shutdown from COVID-19 many places we rely on for both our physical and mental well-being have closed. Gyms and some outdoor parks, farmer’s markets, sporting events, and concerts... Our active lives have significantly come to a halt.

Stress and the Body

For many over 50, fighting weight gain is a daily struggle, and with COVID it feels even harder to manage with a body under constant attack.

The stress of the “new normal” has:

  • Increased cortisol levels (your “fight or flight” hormone) leading to weight gain;

  • Reduced sleep quality, which can lead to choosing the wrong foods and overeating;

  • Increased cravings for high-calorie comfort foods;

  • Impacted mental health, including depression; and

  • Reduced availability/opportunity to exercise.

How to Stay Active at Home

Exercise is critical for the mind and body and finding ways to incorporate it into your new way of life is must.

Here are 3 ways you can be active at home during COVID-19 shutdowns:

  1. WALKING - The easiest and safest exercise that can be done anywhere and with no added equipment is walking. Using your muscles and cardiovascular system helps support stress reduction. Try walking outdoors to boost the benefit of getting some Vitamin D, which leads to stronger bones, teeth, and muscles. Stuck inside? Walk up and down your stairs. Studies show that climbing stairs for just 15 minutes a day burns around 65 calories. Sound boring? Pass the time by listening to your favorite music or an audio book.

  2. GARDENING - The time it takes to mow and edge the lawn adds up quickly, as does weeding and planting. With Fall coming, now is the time to plant the bulbs for next Spring, while being active in the process. Just don’t overdo it when you’re bending over. Use good posture to make sure you’re not lifting from your back.

  3. YOGA/PILATES - As we age, our flexibility decreases, and our ability to come back from injuries can diminish. Flexible, relaxed muscles help reduce the chance of getting injured in the first place and both yoga and pilates are gentle on your spine. There are tons of free resources available on the internet for guided yoga and pilates. Spin up YouTube and find someone you enjoy following and use this time to center yourself.

Closing thoughts.

Try to be kind to yourself if you did gain weight during the shutdown. It’s not the end of the world, but small steps taken now can make all the difference in losing those extra pounds and improving your overall health. Remember, the healthier you are, the faster you’ll recover from surgery, should you need it.

Virginia Case