How to Lose Ten Pounds at Fifty Years Old

Weight loss becomes more difficult with age. Medical conditions, milestones such as menopause, certain lifestyle changes and slowing metabolism all contribute to weight-loss struggles. Losing 10 lbs. at 50 years old can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are ways later in life to drop pounds and keep them off. Moderate weight loss at 50 will help to improve your overall appearance, self-esteem and physical health.

Instructions

• 1

  Consult your primary care physician before beginning any weight-loss program. Over the age of 50, any drastic changes in diet or daily activity can be dangerous. A physician familiar with your medical history can help you set reasonable, weekly weight-loss goals. In some situations, a physician may recommend that you stop taking medications that cause weight gain or inhibit weight loss.

• 2

  Stay hydrated and cut empty calories by reducing the amount of carbonated or alcoholic beverages consumed each day. The average person carries an additional 7 lbs. of water weight. Hydrating by drinking at least six 8-oz. glasses of water per day will help flush extra water weight away. Restricting the number of dehydrating alcoholic and carbonated beverages consumed daily will speed the hydration process. Cutting carbonated beverages like soda and alcoholic drinks from a diet can also help you reduce daily calorie consumption without sacrificing food.

• 3

  Avoid skipping meals, especially breakfast. Missing meals will slow down the metabolism and encourage your body to store fat. Always eat breakfast, even if it is something light, to give your metabolism a kick-start for the day. Since many people notice a significant drop in appetite as they age, force yourself to eat small meals throughout the day. Do not wait until you get hungry. Putting off eating can often lead to skipped meals.

• 4

  Take multivitamins to help improve your health and increase your energy. Vitamin deficiency can lead to minor and major health problems. Taking a vitamin supplement each morning can give you an energy boost for the day, and having that extra energy can make moderate exercise easier to tackle. Consult your doctor before starting any multivitamin regimen, especially if you are already taking a vitamin supplement.

• 5

  Cut out extra food, and add daily exercise. Reducing a small number of calories from your daily diet speeds up weight loss. While radical diets can be dangerous for anyone 50 older, giving up dessert and extra calories found in sweeteners can help you cut a hundred or more calories each day. Adding mild exercise such as a 20-minute walk to your daily routine will burn more calories and allow you to keep your diet more or less intact.