Even those who have never had a weight problem in the past may find that as the body ages, weight is slowly increasing. It may begin with an outfit that fits more snugly or the love handles that protrude from the waistband of pants. This is because as the body ages, the metabolism slows. Although one may be consuming the same amount of calories as before, the body is no longer burning these calories as quickly as in the past. These excess calories are converted to fat, and since it is not being burned for energy, it nestles itself comfortably in the cells and accumulates in areas such as the belly, underarms, hips and thighs. Also, during this transition, patients may notice other unusual changes. Many people will have more difficulty losing this excess weight and may even be suffering depression, hot flashes and interrupted sleep, all symptoms of hormone changes. Diet Doc’s medical weight loss programs have helped patients nationwide learn how to correct hormonal imbalances that may be causing weight gain or hindering weight loss.