As women like to adopt diet programs to lose their extra weight, men would rather achieve their weight loss mainly through exercise. Yet, men too should be equally concerned about adequate diet and nutrition for a healthy way of life.

Dieting is a major concern for men with the onset of middle age. The caloric need of men in general is highest in their 20s and starts to decrease by about 2 to 4% for each decade as their age increases. For instance, the appropriate caloric need of 2500 per day for an average male of about 5ft 9in and 170lbs decreases to roughly 2350 per day with age.

This is caused by the relative change in the muscle mass. A lot of calories is necessary to deliver blood to the muscles as well as other vital internal activities. The muscle mass of men begins to reduce with age which means that the amount of calories needed also decreases.

Another reason is the change in the basic metabolism. Basic metabolism is the pace where our body spends the consumed calories for its various uses. The basic rate of metabolism for most men is around 70 calories per hour and amounts to nearly 60% of the caloric need per day. Age and other hormonal changes reduce this basic rate of metabolism.

Also, glands such as the adrenalin and thyroid which are responsible for regulation become less efficient with age which in turn reduces the metabolic rate. Therefore, consuming equal amount of calories in their middle age as they did in their young age will result in storing of the excess calories in the adipose tissue, meaning you will gain weight or body fat. When this excess body fat exceeds a particular limit it will result in health issues, as well as the effect on one's looks.

Apart from the number aspect, one must also be concerned about their BMI or Body Mass Index, which can be measured by dividing weight by height squared. A BMI of over 30 is above the safe limit for everybody and if it is over 40, it is considered as overweight. Similarly, a waist circumference of above 35 inches is above the acceptable area and those with above 40 inches are generally regarded as obese.

If you consume more calories than you burn, it leads to the storing of the excess calories as fat in the adipose tissue which consequently results in weight gain. A simple way to solve it is to lower the daily intake by about 100 calories for each 10 years after the age of 29 alternatively you can also burn these extra calories by walking an extra mile a day.

Reducing your habit of eating and increasing your activities are the best ways to stay healthy and fit for your whole life.