Television doctor Amir Khan has provided essential health guidance specifically aimed at individuals over the age of 40, detailing several natural biological transformations that commonly occur during midlife. In a recent social media post, the medical expert, renowned for his appearances on ITV, addressed frequent concerns voiced by his patients, emphasising that these alterations are typical and generally not cause for alarm.
The Six Key Biological Shifts After 40
Speaking directly to his substantial following of more than 900,000 on Instagram, Dr Khan, who is 45 years old himself, stated: "You know, something that patients say to me all the time after they reach 40 or 50 is, 'Dr Amir, I feel like my body has changed.' And honestly, they're not imagining it." He elaborated that there are "some very real biological changes that start happening in our 40s that nobody really prepares us for."
1. Loss of Muscle Mass
One of the most significant changes involves a gradual reduction in muscle mass, a condition medically termed sarcopenia. Dr Khan explained that this process typically begins around the age of 30 and becomes more noticeable by the 40s. Muscle fibres shrink, leading to a slight decrease in strength and increased joint stiffness, as muscles play a crucial role in stabilising and protecting joints. "So if you feel weaker, less toned, or take longer to recover after activity, it's not laziness, it's just biology," he noted, highlighting the importance of incorporating strength training into midlife fitness routines.
2. Weight Redistribution
Another common observation is a shift in body fat distribution, particularly around the abdominal area. Even without dietary changes, hormonal fluctuations, such as declining oestrogen and testosterone levels, alter where fat is stored. Concurrently, lower muscle mass slightly reduces the resting metabolic rate. "So the scale may not change dramatically but body shape can. That's a hormonal and metabolic shift, not a personal failing," Dr Khan reassured.
3. Vision Changes
Alterations in eyesight are extremely prevalent during this life stage. Around the 40s, the lenses inside the eyes become less flexible, a condition known as presbyopia, which makes focusing on close objects more challenging. Individuals often find themselves holding reading materials or phones further away or requiring brighter lighting. "It's universal ageing of the eye, not eye disease, and almost everyone experiences it by their mid-50s," he clarified.
4. Unexpected Hair Growth
Many people are surprised by the appearance of random coarse hairs on the chin and upper lip. This phenomenon results from shifting hormone balances, as declining oestrogen levels allow androgens like testosterone to stimulate hair growth in these areas. "They're very normal, it's all part of your hormones, even in people without the menopause yet," Dr Khan explained.
5. Slower Recovery Times
Recovery from exercise, illness, or poor sleep tends to become slower. This is due to age-related declines in cellular repair processes, collagen turnover, and mitochondrial efficiency. Additionally, there is a tendency towards slightly higher baseline inflammation, sometimes referred to as "inflam-ageing." "So your body can still recover just needs more time," he added.
6. Reduced Tolerance for Late Nights
Finally, many individuals in their 40s find they can no longer stay up late or function effectively the following day as they once did. This change is attributed to shifts in circadian rhythms and sleep architecture, including lighter, more fragmented sleep, earlier melatonin timing, and a reduction in deep sleep proportion. "So late nights feel harder and sleep debt hits more," Dr Khan remarked.
In conclusion, Dr Amir Khan offered a comforting message to those experiencing these changes: "So, if you're in your 40s and noticing these changes, don't worry. It's not decline, it's just biology, we're all there." His insights serve as a valuable reminder that these transformations are a natural part of the aging process, encouraging a proactive and understanding approach to midlife health.
