Research reveals the best age to lose weight

A recent survey of 1,000 male and female slimmers was conducted to find out their opinions on when is the best and easiest time in life to lose weight.

General results

82% of both sexes said their early 30s was the optimum time for weight loss because turning 30 is a ‘watershed’ moment in life – they want to stay fit and healthy as they leave their 20s and were more likely to stick to diets afterwards.

54% said that people are less likely to stick to diets during their mid-30s as ageing begins to take its toll and they embrace middle age.

The 40s and 50s are the worst for slimming as people lack motivation, and become less concerned about their looks and appearance as they get older.

59% said that diets are more likely to go awry during the 20s because people are more likely to be single and struggling to diet due to more partying.

Female survey results

37% of female respondents found the ages of 30 to 35 the best to slim down. Amongst this group, 32 was the ideal age for women.

One significant factor making it the optimum age for women to slim is the likelihood that they had become mothers. The average age of women giving birth in the UK is now a few weeks short of 30 – while first time mothers are older than ever at 28.

Losing baby weight is a powerful incentive for women to lose weight, with 56% saying they had found it easier to slim down after childbirth than before.

Marriage was also a factor in helping women to lose weight – the average age for a new bride in the UK is 30. Almost half of the female respondents said they found it easier to lose weight after marrying because they were less likely to drink and eat to excess.

Male survey results

For men, 36% also said the ages of 30 to 35 were the most effective years to diet – with 31 the optimum age, just a year younger than the women.

The men’s ideal age was a year less than women’s because turning 30 was seen as a bigger watershed for them.

Research summary

Lee Smith, whose company commissioned the survey, said:

“There is no doubt that turning 30 is a big moment for both sexes. The ageing process starts to catch up with us all and both sexes are desperate to turn back the clock. They are both in the right frame of mind to diet – and that’s why they are both better able to lose weight around that age. This is certainly true of the typical Forza dieter who is a young mum in her early 30s keen to lose a bit of weight after starting a family.”

 

Statistic source: The Daily Mail.