|  | Diet Nutrition | Weight Loss

Best Ways for Seniors to Lose Belly Fat

As people age, they tend to gain weight and accumulate fat around the midsection. When seniors are overweight, they experience greater risk of illness and disease, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Extra pounds around the middle decreases lung and respiratory function. However, it's not too late for seniors to shed pounds and lose belly fat. These belly-fat-fighting tips encourage a healthy diet and lifestyle for seniors.

  1. Exercise

    • The best way for seniors to lose belly fat is to exercise. It's important to increase the body's metabolism. You can speed up metabolism by adding cardiovascular exercise to your routine. Burn fat by running, biking, walking and swimming. Weight-bearing exercises such as strength training, Pilates and yoga increase lean muscle mass. Lean muscle mass burns calories at a faster rate and burns fat cells. It's an exercise myth that sit-ups and crunches alone will decrease stomach fat.

    Decrease Fat

    • Decrease your intake of cholesterol and fat in your diet. The biggest culprit in weight gain (especially around the middle) is trans fat (which increases LDL cholesterol). Choose lean meat such as turkey or fish. Avoid high-fat meats such as beef and organ meat. Raise your HDL (good) cholesterol level by eating monounsaturated fats, such as avocado and olive oil.

    Take Dietary Supplements

    • Natural supplements also regulate blood sugar (insulin) levels. Increased insulin levels contribute to belly fat. The production of DHEA, a natural hormone found in the adrenal gland, slows down when people age. Add a DHEA supplement to your diet to maintain normal insulin levels. Chromium picolinate and zinc also regulate blood-sugar level. You can find these supplements in health food stores or drugstores. Check with a medical doctor before taking dietary supplements (especially if you take prescription medication). Some medications can cause adverse reactions if taken with supplements.

    Increase Soluble Fiber

    • Add more soluble fiber to your diet. Fiber breaks down fat cells and helps with weight loss. Start your day by eating oatmeal, a good source of soluble fiber. Fiber can also be found in oat bran, whole-grain bread, brown rice, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and dried beans.

Weight Loss - Related Articles