Research has shown us that living through your 40’s can be the most challenging decade of your life both mentally and physically.
This is when you are at the highest risk of being diagnosed with chronic diseases, often stemming from lifestyle habits.
In particular, excess levels of unwanted body fat are associated with shorter life expectancy, fertility, poor mental health, productivity levels and self-confidence.
The statistics on these numbers make it a grim reading for middle-aged men and women.
Statistic show:
- Just under 2 billion (1.9 billion) people worldwide are classified as overweight or obese – that’s around 40% of those being in their mid-to-late 40’s.
- Up to 40% of obese men who are not diabetic men have registered a drop in testosterone levels.
- Men in their 40’s are most likely to commit suicide.
- 1 in 5 adults have reported some level of progression in their mid-40s.
- 60% of these individuals deal with mental health.
It’s worth bearing in mind these issues do not need to be inevitable and you can turn things around.
Living a healthy lifestyle can be the solution to controlling, preventing, and reversing many of the health issues above.
Starting your fitness journey can be the best ‘anti-ageing pill’ you can find:
1. Living a healthy lifestyle, type 2 diabetes is preventable and reversible for most individuals. Research has shown that if you are overweight and diagnosed with diabetes, losing 5-15kg (11-33lbs) can reverse this within months.
2. Fertility rates in both men and women see their first significant dip in the 40s and decrease even further for those who are overweight and sedentary. For example, obese men are more likely to suffer from issues with decreased testosterone production when compared to healthy weight individuals.
Fertility levels may increase by almost double for obese individuals who lose weight and research has also shown that testosterone levels improve alongside a regular exercise regime in men.
3. Those who exercise regularly reported almost a 50% reduction in mental health symptoms and a high-quality varied diet is linked to improved mental health and cognitive function.
So, being in your 40s may bring a raft of increased mental and physical challenges, but these do not have to be a life sentence. You can take back control of your health.
Ashis transformation story:
Ashis is similar to a lot of the clients that we coach at Lean Body Training in Finchley. He has a demanding job and a busy lifestyle.
He had been going to the gym on and off for years but frequently would plateau and lose his motivation. Having a trainer, losing belly fat and taking away the guess-work were changes that he needed to make.
Now 42 during the transformation process Ashis has lost 2 stones and lost inches around the waist.
He said:
“I’m the fittest I’ve been in years and exercise has become more enjoyable. The process taught me that accountability and consistency are key, as well as staying positive.
Having the right help with the right coach is paramount, as long as you follow the structure laid out, results are inevitable”.
With a lot of guys we first meet, all it takes is a level of commitment to get them past stage one – that important stage when you start to see changes.
These alone are so motivational and will carry you forward.
Read: How quickly does it take to regain strength after taking a break
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