The Real Driver of "Slowing Metabolism"

After 60, metabolism does tend to fall — but the dominant cause is muscle loss (sarcopenia), not aging alone. Because muscle is metabolically active, losing it lowers resting burn. That is biology, not a thyroid problem.

The Safer Calorie Strategy

  • Avoid aggressive deficits — they accelerate muscle loss in older adults.
  • Use a modest deficit with high protein (1.2–1.5 g/kg) and strength training.
  • Preserve muscle; the scale matters less than body composition.

Our Sarcopenia Protein Calculator outputs maintenance calories and an age-appropriate protein target. See senior protein intake and the Sarcopenia hub.

Educational only. Unexplained weight loss in older adults can signal illness — discuss with a clinician.