Understanding Weight Gain After 30: Causes & Solutions for Women

If you fear packing on the pounds after you hit the age of 30, don't stress. If you keep calm and focus on your body and your health you can fight off the extra weight you may be seeing. Stressing can actually help you gain weight, so focus on eating right, exercising and keeping track of the calories you consume and burn.

Depression and Anxiety

• Psychological factors can play a large role in weight changes after the age of 30. If women are suffering from anxiety or depression they are more susceptible to weight gain issues, according to the "Women's Health" study "Weight Gain Among Women in the Late Reproductive Years."

Pregnancy and Hormones

• After the age of 30 your metabolism slows, meaning you burn fewer calories. Along with your metabolism slowing, some women will be going through hormonal changes from pregnancy or menopause. You will have to relearn how many calories your body burns naturally. As well as how much and what types of food you can eat and how much exercise you will need to perform to burn the excess calories.

Behavior

• Life can become busier as you age, with less time to focus on yourself. If you are juggling family and a career, you may have less time to plan healthy meals, and exercise as well as resist unhealthy snacking and comfort foods.