Men likely to gain weight in their early 40s

Male and females are vulnerable to weight gain in their early 40s and late 30s, according to findings of a new survey. The results of the new survey of 1 000 people, conducted by Forza Supplements, suggests that for women, the key danger zone is between the ages of 35-40, with 38% saying they were most likely to gain weight during those years. Women picked 38 as the most destructive year of all – perhaps because the idea of turning 40 spurs many women into change their life and lose weight.

Men’s most vulnerable age for weight gain comes a little later –with 36% saying they put on most weight between the ages 40 and 45. Men highlighted 44 as their most dangerous year for weight gain – largely because their career is peaking and they simply haven’t got time for exercise.

There were plenty of factors given for the weight gain, with 34% of women admitting that motherhood was a big one. Women said that this often left them eating twice as much,  as they tended to eat with their children and again with their partners later on.

Marriage was another factor in women having a middle-age spread – with 32% of women saying they put on weight after settling down with a long-term partner. A further 26% of women said they had “let themselves go” in their late 30s, and the build-up to their 40th birthday was a wake-up call in turning their life around and losing weight.

One of the key reasons for men getting a middle-aged spread was divorce, with 22% saying it was a factor. The average ages for men divorcing in the UK is 40-44, and single men are more likely to drink heavily and eat out more. However, the most popular reason for men’s middle-aged spreads was work – with 36% saying they were too busy with their careers to go to the gym.

Forza Supplements managing director Lee Smith said: “Weight gain in both men and women is quite normal and the process can begin at 30.” But by the time 40 is approaching women are losing the battle with keeping extra weight off.

“Most have children by then and have probably sacrificed hobbies like the gym or dance class to care for and entertain them. Most don’t realise that as we age we need fewer calories, so to even maintain the same weight, we need to drop 200 calories per day.”

Smith added: “Men have a little longer – their bodies haven’t been disrupted by childbirth. But time catches up with them – it’s significant that the average age for weight gain corresponds with a very stressful point in a man’s life. Cortisol plays a big part in affecting weight – it will make people crave unhealthy foods and want to eat more often.

“In our early and mid-thirties we stave off weight gain because we lead busy lives – work, exercise, socialising if we’re childless. If parents, most people of this age have small children so they remain active – getting in the swimming pool themselves, riding bikes.

Smith concluded: “By 38 for women and 44 for men, on average, the children are old enough to do these activities alone and parents tend to lead a sedentary life – between providing a taxi service for the kids.”