Reality

by Benjamin
(Santa Barbara)

I know that for people in my age group (50's and 60's), losing weight has become harder and harder to attain and maintain. My understanding is that having a slower metabolism now is natural as is the general slowing down of the body. Is is just in this culture that we resist the natural systems and processes of aging? WE are no longer in our 20's, 30's or 40's and we'll never have the resilience and youth we once did. This is a FACT. For my age group to think we can defy the natural ways of aging is delusional. Yet we live in a youth-centric, anti-aging culture which basically denies the realities of cycles of life.

I think that when weight loss programs are offered in a one size fits all manner it's very misleading as people of different ages have quite different issues they are dealing with.

Why is it that the only one Doctor who has really addressed this is Andrew Weil?

I think I know why. He's in his 50's!

Let's get real. I want a realistic approach for a man of 57, not some plan geared to have great results for a 30 year old. I remember those days and it was really easy and quick back then. Now it's become really tough.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks,

-Ben

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Hi Ben,

Man I hear your frustration.

One size fits all does not work and I wholeheartedly agree.

For your next point,

"Let's get real. I want a realistic approach for a man of 57, not some plan geared to have great results for a 30 year old. I remember those days and it was really easy and quick back then. Now it's become really tough."

Define exactly what you want and work backwards from that to where one is regardless of age.

As a person's body gets older certain things will take longer and different strategies need to be employed to make it more efficient for that body.

Also, in my experience, chronological age has not been the main factor. Metabolic age is.

I have clients who are in their 50's and 60's who lift weights and are competitive athletes who are metabolically younger than most 20 year olds today.

Most 20 year olds are metabolically 30 - 40 years old.

A person can achieve their physical goals but need a strategy that takes into account factors like, health imbalances, history, lifestyle, education, training, etc.

But to use the term you are using, there has to be some reality interjected in there! The older one's body gets the harder it is to build muscle mass for example.

But as far as body fat, that can definitely be controlled regardless of age. One needs the right strategy.

Those are my comments! Thanks for your contribution and I wish you the best in finding a plan that works for you.