I am a woman 73 years old, always thin at 5"6" and 128 pounds. But lately I have what my friends say is just old age...but a huge roll around my waist. HOW CAN I GET RID OF IT? I walk about 1 mile every day, but dont domuch exercise. What is happening??
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Spare tire a.k.a. "muffin top"
Lisa Roth
Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 02:39 AMre: Spare tire a.k.a. "muffin top"
Judy
Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 01:08 PMDear Lisa Roth, I appreciate your suggestions. My weight has stayed pretty much the same all my life, perhaps a two pound gain at most. I have begun two new prescriptions...allegra and singular and will check out drugs.com for information as to whether or not they would add weight.
I have always been active and thus I do know that muscle weakness is what this "tire' is and I am aware what I should do. I used to be a dancer of a modern troupe YEARS AGO, but am aware of the tummy exercises. I guess I thought a mile walk every day would be good.
THanks sooo much
Judy
re: re: Spare tire a.k.a. "muffin top"
Lisa Roth, PFT, RYT
Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 10:54 PMDear Judy,
Of course a mile walk is wonderful! But as you say, perhaps some strength training would be a good idea. : )
Here's a couple of links to check out:
http://www.realage.com/WorkOutCenter/Articles.aspx?aid=10482
http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/news-39489-66.html
Let me know how it goes!
Lisa Roth
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Dear Judy,
Hello, my name is Lisa Roth, and I am a Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor and Health & Wellness Coach. I'd like to offer some suggestions for you to consider for your changing body composition and some possible reasons for it's cause.
There are some preliminary questions to ask to get a more accurate picture of the situation.
First, has your body weight gone up as your "spare tire" started to grow? Or are you staying at the same weight but still getting these extra inches around your waist? How are your appetite and food habits- the same or changed, and if so, how (i.e., eating more, less, the same or different foods as before)?
Second, have you had a recent illness or other stressful situation (physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually)?
Third, have you recently started or stopped taking any OTC or prescribed medications?
Lastly, is there any other condition or circumstance that should be taken into consideration regarding your current health?
It seems at first glance that you may have a common problem of weight gain seen in older adults due to the loss of muscle (and slower metabolism as a consequence of less muscle). We lose muscle (and gain excess bodyfat) as we get older not because of "old age" but because of an inadequate daily activity level. However, other possible causes need to be investigated to make sure there are no underlying medical issues that need to be addressed first.
If you are cleared of all other possible explanations, then increasing your lean body mass by building muscle through strength training is the most effective way to reverse the condition called "sarcopenia" or muscle loss or muscle wasting. Walking alone is not sufficient as you already discovered.
Judy, please let me know if you need assistance getting a strength training program going. I can help you via online coaching and personal training. There are also many options on these healthcentral.com sites to discover as well. Best to you!
Lisa Roth, PFT, RYT
Health & Wellness Coach
FIT-Fully Integrated Training
Empowering people to lead FIT lives!