In the most basic sense, energy intake must equal energy output for body weight to remain the same. Weight increases when calorie intake is more than the amount of calories burned. Since basal metabolism decreases as we age, either calorie intake or output must be adjusted to maintain the same weight.
Energy balance can be attained in this case by increasing physical activity, a facet of life that tends to decrease with aging. Taking up a sport, jogging, or even parking the car farther away from a building to increase walking distance are all good strategies. People tend to become less active and therefore expend less calories without reducing food intake as they age. By increasing physical activity, energy balance and desirable weight can be maintained.
For a weight-loss plan to be successful, the person must be mentally prepared for the time and commitment involved. Weight loss requires a certain amount of time for planning meals, purchasing more healthy foods, and devising a plan for when temptations arise. This woman obviously has her hands full with other obligations at this time. Because of her busy schedule, it would be difficult to follow a restricted eating plan. Weight-loss failure can be discouraging. It would be wise for this woman to wait until her schedule lightens up a bit and, instead, focus now on weight maintenance.
