Hidden dangers of frequent eating after 40

Are you among the millions of adults over 40 who frequently eat?

Perhaps, you grab a snack every hour or eat multiple small meals throughout the day.

This habit can have serious health consequences, including weight gain, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.

As we age, our bodies undergo significant changes that increase the risks associated with frequent eating.

Many people eat frequently due to stress, boredom or social pressures, altering their eating habits.

The global population is ageing rapidly, leading to changes in physiological needs that impact health and quality of life. 

Frequent eating is common among middle-aged and older adults, yet little is known about its health consequences.

This article reviews the current evidence on these consequences.

After 40, our bodies undergo significant physiological changes.

These changes impact our metabolism, hormone levels and overall health, making frequent eating particularly detrimental.

As we age, our resting metabolic rate slows and declines by 1-2 per cent per decade after age 20.

This leads to reduced calorie-burning efficiency. (Journal of Gerontology 2013)

Hormonal changes also play a crucial role.

Testosterone levels decrease by 1-2 per cent annually after age 40, this affects metabolism and body composition and leads to weight gain and other health issues. (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism 2010)

Women experience hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause.

These changes result in a weight gain of 2.3 kg during this transition (International Journal of Obesity 2014).

Age-related muscle loss or sarcopenia, slows metabolism. It also increases the risk of chronic diseases and affects up to 50 per cent of adults over 80 (American Medical Directors Association).

Additionally, decreased insulin sensitivity contributes to the negative effects of frequent eating after 40 which declines by 20-30 per cent between ages 40 and 60.

Changes in gut bacteria and reduced physical activity also play a role. (Journal of Clinical Investigation 2015)

Risks

These risks include weight gain and obesity, which increase the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

A study published in PLOS Medicine found that a sustained change from a typical Western diet to an optimised diet can increase life expectancy by more than a decade for young adults (Fadnes et al., 2022).

Research has shown that middle-aged adults who eat more often are more likely to experience weight gain and obesity, (Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics).

A diet high in refined carbohydrates, sugar and saturated fats can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition). Middle-aged adults are also at increased risk of cardiovascular disease including heart disease and stroke, (Journal of the American College of Cardiology).

Additionally, there may be an increased risk of cognitive decline and certain cancers.

However, a diet high in antioxidants, fibre and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce these risks, (Journal of Alzheimer's Disease).

Middle-aged adults who eat more often experience increased symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome including bloating, abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. (Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology)

Prevention

• Limit portion sizes to maintain a healthy weight and prevent overeating.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.
• Limiting your daily eating to two main meals. Avoid eating heavy, greasy or high-calorie foods, especially after 5 p.m.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to control hunger and boost metabolism.
• Engage in regular exercise, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week
• Get enough sleep (7-9 hours per night) to regulate hunger hormones and support weight loss.
• Practice mindful eating by paying attention to hunger and fullness cues, eating slowly and savouring food.

The available evidence suggests that frequent eating after 40 increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.

Therefore, adults over 40 should adopt healthy lifestyle habits to promote overall health and well-being. Further research is needed to fully understand its health consequences.

— The writer is a doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D. Candidate), medical journalist & medical laboratory technologist
E-mail: kofiappiah803@gmail.com