The Thrifty Gene Hypothesis states that humans have survival gene variants that provide protection against a “feast or famine” lifestyle, which cause obesity in societies where it is always feast and never famine.

The Barker hypothesis proposed that adverse nutrition in early life, including prenatally as measured by birth weight, increased susceptibility to the metabolic syndrome which includes obesity, diabetes, insulin insensitivity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia and complications that include coronary heart disease and …

James Neel first proposed the “thrifty gene” hypothesis, which suggested that particular gene variants evolved to favor efficient use of nutrients in the calorie-limited environment in which humans evolved, but that promote obesity and type 2 diabetes in the modern, calorie-rich environment (Neel, 1962).

In a nutshell, the theory behind “thrifty” metabolism is that when faced with a sudden shortfall of food, some people’s bodies quickly compensate to conserve energy, by burning fewer calories.

Basal Metabolic Rate, also known as BMR, is the amount of energy your body burns at rest on a daily basis. In other words: It is the number of calories required to keep your body function while you are not doing any physical activities.

It can increase your metabolism, reduce your appetite and control several hormones that regulate your weight (7, 8 , 9 ). Paleo diets encourage eating protein-rich foods like lean meats, fish and eggs. In fact, the average paleo diet provides between 25–35% calories from protein.

Set point theory states that our bodies have a preset weight baseline hardwired into our DNA. According to this theory, our weight and how much it changes from that set point might be limited. The theory says some of us have higher weight set points than others and our bodies fight to stay within these ranges.

After you maintain your new, lower weight for 6 months, you can repeat the cycle and reset your set point again by losing another 10%. Through small, gradual changes in your daily habits, you’ll be able to stay at that new, lower weight for the rest of your life.

The 20 Best Ways to Lose Weight After 50

1. Learn to enjoy strength training. Although cardio gets a lot of attention when it comes to weight loss, strength training is also important, especially for older adults.
2. Team up.
3. Sit less and move more.
4. Bump up your protein intake.
5. Talk to a dietitian.
6. Cook more at home.
7. Eat more produce.
8. Hire a personal trainer.

How can I boost my metabolism?

1. Strength training. In the past, it was all cardio, cardio, cardio.
2. Eat breakfast. It fuels your body for your whole day.
3. Eat more lean protein, like fish, chicken, eggs and even tofu. That fills you for the day and helps you build muscle mass, and in turn, boosts your metabolism.

Here are 10 of the best ways to quickly and safely drop 20 pounds.

1. Count Calories.
2. Drink More Water.
3. Increase Your Protein Intake.
4. Cut Your Carb Consumption.
5. Start Lifting Weights.
6. Eat More Fiber.
7. Set a Sleep Schedule.
8. Stay Accountable.

A 2018 study indicates that in addition to weight loss, an 8-hour eating window may help reduce blood pressure in adults with obesity. Other studies report that intermittent fasting reduces fasting glucose by 3–6% in those with prediabetes, although it has no effect on healthy individuals.

Eat high-fiber foods, such as nuts, beans, fruits and vegetables, and high protein foods, including meat, fish, tofu, or nuts, during your eating window, Varady advised. Chewing high-fiber gummies can also help. Drink lots of water.

Intermittent fasting is eating and fasting during certain windows of time. If you follow this type of eating pattern, Patton says it’s OK to eat carbs throughout your entire window — even if your goal is weight loss or if you’re diabetic or pre-diabetic.

Your eating window should still provide you enough time for your unique schedule to allow as many calories as you need for a healthy diet. But keep in mind, quality matters! I don’t want you ladies to fast for 15 hours, only to eat pizza, cereal, or white pasta once coming out of your fast.