Shorter women in their 40s face unique hurdles in weight loss due to resting calorie burn

Shorter women in their 40s may burn fewer calories at rest than taller women due to smaller bodies and less lean muscle mass, according to lifestyle coach Kait Willett and dietician Dt Amreen Sheikh. This lower basal metabolic rate means shorter women generally need to pay closer attention to calorie intake and physical activity to maintain a calorie deficit.

Expert Views on Steps and Diet

Willett suggested that shorter women might need to walk up to 15,000 steps a day and consume fewer calories to lose weight, arguing that 1,200 calories a day can be relative. However, Dt Amreen Sheikh, Chief Dietician at KIMS Hospitals in Thane, cautions against treating 1,200 calories as a universal target or forcing 15,000 steps, warning that eating too little makes it hard to meet basic nutritional needs during midlife.

Context

Basal metabolic rate determines the energy the body needs at rest for basic functions like breathing and circulation, and it varies based on individual height, weight, and muscle mass. Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause also influence body composition and fat distribution for women in their 40s.