It is easier to lose wight when younger, the BMR is higher,people are more active, more likely to be working and be more highly motivated with more outlets for enjoyment beyond eating

Older people  lose weight slowly-their “Leptin thermostat” has been turned up and weight loss means a sustained effort over several months with long plateaus of no loss. Their fatness is linked to more fat cells and not just fat cells with more fat content.

It is discouraging.

A 10% weight loss is therefore very difficult to achieve and harder to maintain.

Even a 5% weight loss makes a considerable difference to health and morbidity