One of the most complicated relationships a human being has is with food. We don’t always eat because we are hungry, sometimes this is because of the large number of ads and food posters around us. Besides, our appetite is awakened by many other factors that have nothing to do with an empty stomach. The increase in consumption, and therefore in weight, affects our health. One study highlighted that appetite changes according to people’s age, and knowing the different stages helps us to improve our diet and cope with problems like weight gain.
We were interested in this study’s topic, so we want to talk to you about each “appetite age” so that you can take the necessary dietary steps to stay healthy, depending on the stage you, or your loved ones, are in.
First decade: 0 to 10 years
According to research, children have the same eating behaviors as their parents, so their environment should be positive, balanced, and inclusive of healthy foods, like vegetables. It is also good for children to have some control of their portions. Forcing them to eat everything on their plate can decrease their ability to listen to the signs of hunger and appetite, leading to them being overweight.
Second decade: 10 to 20 years
Without proper guidance, young people tend to prefer unhealthy foods, whose consumption has consequences that continue into adulthood. Scientists noted that young women are more likely to suffer from nutritional deficiencies, as it is at this stage that they develop their reproductive capacity.
Third decade: 20 to 30 years
During this stage, it’s important to learn how to develop a sense of satiety, to listen to the body when it no longer feels hungry, and thus to avoid excessive consumption. This is achieved by choosing foods that are rich in fiber and protein, that help you feel “full” for longer, unlike products rich in sugars and fats.
Fourth decade: 30 to 40 years
Some personality traits, like perfectionism, influence eating behavior because they often cause anxiety. At this stage, it is key to change any bad eating habits, whether in the work environment or at home. For example, avoiding the vending machine at work and replacing high-calorie snacks with healthy, fresh foods.
Recognizing situations that cause stress and minimizing them will also help improve your willingness to eat healthily.
Fifth decade: 40 to 50 years
According to the World Health Organization, it is at this stage that health problems stemming from poor eating habits, like high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels, and diabetes come to the forefront. Changes should be aimed at improving health, before the symptoms become evident and irreversible.
Sixth decade: 50 to 60 years
At this stage, it is essential to maintain a healthy, high-protein diet. However, simple meals are often replaced by others that do not meet the nutritional needs of people at this stage, either due to lack of time or loss of appetite.
Seventh decade: 60 to 70 years
Widowhood, lack of a family companionship, and a lack of resources prevent the enjoyment of food. Other factors, such as difficulty chewing and other illnesses, add to this. At this stage, maintaining good nutrition, guided by a specialist, is essential to prolong life expectancy.