What changes in the body after 40?
The changes that happen after forty have specific biological mechanisms. Metabolism slows because muscle mass decreases — from age 30, we lose around 1% of muscle mass a year without strength training. Less muscle means lower calorie needs, and weight gain becomes easier.
- Slower metabolism — less muscle mass means lower calorie needs and easier weight gain.
- Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) — lax skin "hangs" on a less full muscle underneath.
- Changes in fat distribution — with lower oestrogen levels, fat often shifts from the hips to the abdomen.
- Loss of skin collagen — laxity of the thighs, abdomen and arms becomes more noticeable.
- Slower lymphatic flow — cellulite becomes harder to reduce when the lymphatic system is less active.
A strategy for the body after 40 — 3 pillars
Working effectively on the body after forty requires a multi-pronged approach. No treatment can replace physical activity — but the two can reinforce each other.
Pillar 1: Strength training — the basis of every result
Building muscle mass is the foundation. Without it, no body treatment can deliver its full effect. Muscle "fills" the skin from within, improving its firmness and appearance even without any external intervention.
Pillar 2: Body treatments — support and contouring
In-salon treatments work best alongside physical activity. They can speed up results that are hard to achieve through training alone — particularly for skin laxity, cellulite and localised fat.
Pillar 3: Nutrition — support from within
Diet after forty calls for a mindful approach — especially if you want to maintain muscle mass while reducing body fat.
- Higher protein intake — essential for maintaining and building muscle mass.
- A calorie deficit that isn't too steep — cutting calories too aggressively often leads to muscle loss rather than fat loss.
- Vegetables and fibre — better gut function means less bloating and fluid retention.
- Collagen powder — may support skin condition with regular use.
The "Body after 40" programme — a staged approach
Results in working on the body after forty often take time and a consistent approach. Below is a sample staged plan combining different treatments: