(debra matassino/over 50) i would put on some pounds, but eventually i would .. reel it in, watch what you are eating and they would drop off like that. but, oh my gosh, it's so hard. frusating- but inevitable for most peop... it's middle age spread. according to a recent study at the national institutes of health, a primary cause of that 'spare tire' is a hormone called leptin.. which tells your body you're full. as you age- those signals get weak. (dr. susan tanner/southern environmental medicine center) "which increases appetite, which also increases more fat deposition into these areas of middle age spread we're talking about." and an aging body does not need as many calories as it once did, en it was more active and growing. so that means - watching what you eat-- cutting out fatty foods and eatingngess as we hit t ddle age other systememin our bodies - like the adrenal glands and the thyroid - slow down and produce fewer hormones-- ntributing to weight gain. (dr. susan tanner/southern environmental medicine center) "there is also some break down in muscle m