When you get older, it often becomes harder to eat as you once did without packing on extra weight.

Most of these pounds will collect in your midsection as you get older. A bigger waistline leads to increased risks of troubling health concerns like diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Why does this happen? The main culprit is metabolism, which slows as we age. The process inspires a loss of lean muscle and an increase in abdominal fat.

There are steps you can take to curb these disadvantages of aging. It’s all about achieving a balance between the calories you consume and those you burn on any given day.

On the Move. A sedentary lifestyle is your worst foe in the fight against fat. Maintaining a routine of physical activity helps your body burn calories. You should try to squeeze in at least 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic activity, such as vigorous walking, every week.

Smart Eating. Limit snacking, and pay attention to the unhealthy fat and high caloric content of the foods you do consume.

To learn more about serving sizes and portions, visit www.morehealth.org/servings.