Why is it so difficult to lose weight? And are there reasons that justify excess weight? Every day, even hourly, we deal with many more complex events than a few extra pounds of fat. What is the difficulty? The first difficulty is the myths and legends that justify excess weight. Among the myths and legends, which many attribute to the real reasons for extra pounds: Aging; Hormones; Menopause; Heredity; “tummy” in middle age; Childbirth; Let's figure out where the myths are, and where there is a “hint, a lesson for good fellows” Aging. With age, extra pounds do NOT necessarily appear. There are many people who, at 20, and 30, and 40, and 50, and 60, and 70, have beautiful slender body shapes, who at the same time do not limit themselves in food and maintain ideal sizes. You need to find a couple of examples to show you that this statement is NOT true for you. Without a doubt, age affects size and shape. As we age, our metabolism naturally slows down, meaning we burn fewer calories. Therefore, reducing the amount of food you eat can help avoid obesity. With the help of physical exercise, you can increase your metabolic rate and not gain weight, even if you do not reduce the amount of food you consume. Hormones. They are often accused of causing the thighs to become thick and the person to gain weight. They even say: “if it weren’t for my hormones, I would be thin.” This is partly true, but this is only partly. Disturbances in the hormonal system can really make dreams of being slim unfulfilled. However, you have the power to influence the hormonal system. A varied and proper diet, special physical training, and frequent exposure to the sun help regulate hormones and prevent the accumulation of extra pounds. Hormones definitely affect weight. But we are NOT stuffed with “bad” hormones. You can influence their activity and not gain unnecessary kilograms. Menopause. 10-12 years before menopause, perimenopause begins in the female body. This happens around 30-35 years of age. And at this time, the first and very gradual decrease in hormone production begins. A woman has time to see changes and change her diet and physical activity even before the onset of menopause, when estrogen production in the body sharply decreases. It is due to the lack of this hormone that metabolism slows down. There are many myths and legends associated with menopause, and one of the legends is that during this period a woman will definitely gain weight. Yes, women gain weight at this time, but due to the fact that they continue to eat the same amount as at 25 years old. Why be surprised? Menopause is a fact, but this fact does not justify extra pounds. To be continued. Lana