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Metabolic changes that occur after turning 50 should not be seen as a negative event but rather as a signal, according to Samantha Peterson, a registered dietitian and holistic health specialist at Simply Wellness. Your body is constantly sending messages about its requirements. This is why resetting your metabolism does not have to involve drastic measures. Instead, it involves making adjustments to how you approach physical activity, rest, and general well-being to allow your body to adjust. Here are some signs from experts indicating that you may need to reset your metabolism after reaching 50.
The Simple Reset Your Metabolism May Need After 50
Resetting your metabolism after 50 doesn’t mean automatically hopping on a trendy juice cleanse.
“[It’s] a strategic and sustainable shift toward how we can support our metabolism through three pillars, [which] include nutrition, movement, and recovery,” says Brea Lofton, registered dietitian at Lumen. “After 50, several changes can occur within the body. The key shift here would be hormonal changes, particularly declining estrogen in women, which can contribute to muscle loss, increased fat storage, and a slower metabolic rate. The reset of your metabolism means targeting these aspects by rebuilding muscle, stabilizing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and improving the way your body utilizes the energy from your cells.”
5 Signs Your Metabolism Could Benefit From a Reset
There are various signs your body could find a metabolic reset beneficial.
Fatigue or Sluggishness
If you feel sluggish or fatigued, this could be a red flag your metabolism is suffering.
“When mitochondria, which are your cells’ energy factories, don’t function optimally, it can negatively impact how you feel, leading to low energy throughout the day and mental fog,” explains Brea.
Unexplained Weight Gain
Packing on excess pounds—especially in the belly—is another cry for help from your metabolism.
“Hormonal shifts after 50 favor fat storage in the abdominal area, often without a major change in eating habits,” Brea tells us.
Reduced Strength and Muscle Tone
Samantha calls muscle “your metabolic engine.” When it decreases, so does your body’s ability to burn calories in motion and at rest.
“Sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss, begins accelerating after 50, decreasing the overall level of energy that we expend,” Brea adds.
Sleep Issues
Your metabolic wellness is closely linked to blood sugar, cortisol, and circadian rhythm, so it makes perfect sense that when your metabolism is out of whack, it causes a ripple effect.
“Poor sleep impairs metabolic hormones like cortisol and ghrelin, which can lead to changes in our appetite and the way our body stores fat,” Brea explains.
Cravings
Blood sugar swings and cravings are another sign you need to check in on your metabolism.
“Decreased insulin sensitivity can lead to frequent feelings of hunger, especially for more carbs or foods higher in sugar,” Brea tells us.
Alexa Mellardo
