Is this middle age spread?

I have been putting on weight in the last couple of months despite all the exercises I have been doing. My friends say it is ‘Middle Age Spread’ which I cannot stop. However, I am not happy with what is happening. Kindly let me know what to do about it. I am 55 years of age.

Salome (by SMS)

Men and women tend to put on more weight as they grow older into the middle age. The main culprit is the fall in the level of hormones in the body which slows our metabolism making us burn less energy and therefore store more fat. While it is true that the ‘middle age spread’ is an inevitable part of our life, we can still take necessary steps to control the spread. These steps include a reduction in the intake of high levels of starchy, fatty and fried foods as well as fizzy drinks. In addition, regular exercises geared towards weight loss are also welcomed. It is also important to reduce stress in our lives as stress increases the level of cortisol (a form of steroid) in our body and can lead to weight gain. Regular and adequate sleep is also very helpful.