Markham fitness expert shares fat-loss advice in 10th book

Markham fitness trainer Igor Klibanov has published his 10th book, offering practical, evidence-based advice for adults over 50 struggling with weight gain.

After two decades working primarily with older adults, Klibanov noticed a common frustration among clients, particularly women: despite maintaining the same eating habits, weight gain—especially around the midsection—became increasingly difficult to control.

“Most people spend years searching for the perfect diet,” says Klibanov. “In reality, lasting fat loss after 50 usually comes from mastering a few boring fundamentals consistently, not finding a magical new nutrition strategy.”

The book, Why Your Belly Fat Won’t Go Away After 50, aims to separate fact from fiction and challenge common misconceptions about weight gain and aging. One of the biggest myths, he says, is that a “broken metabolism” is to blame.

Research shows that metabolism remains relatively stable between the ages 20 and 60, declining only slightly afterward. Much of that decline is linked to muscle loss, which can be reduced through strength training and adequate protein intake.

Instead, Klibanov says the real factors behind weight gain are lower activity levels, reduced muscle mass, changes in eating habits, and less daily movement.

According to the book, adults over 50 should focus on four key adjustments: slightly reducing calorie intake, increasing protein consumption, moving more throughout the day, and prioritizing strength training to preserve muscle.

Among the most surprising findings Klibanov encountered was the lack of evidence supporting many popular weight-loss theories, including claims that carbohydrates or insulin are primarily responsible for obesity. He also notes that many people significantly underestimate how many calories they consume.

His top recommendations for readers are simple: eat protein at every meal, follow a progressive strength-training program, and reduce sedentary time by increasing daily movement.

A central message of the book is that long-term success depends less on willpower and more on sustainable habits.

“Most people don’t fail because they lack discipline,” Klibanov says. “They fail because they’re trying to make changes that are too big, too restrictive and too difficult to maintain.”

The book approaches fat loss through four pillars: nutrition, exercise, behaviour change, and lifestyle factors such as sleep and stress. When all four are addressed together, Klibanov says achieving and maintaining a healthy weight becomes much easier.

Working with clients across Markham and the GTA has reinforced his belief that healthy aging is about more than appearance.

“Most people don’t come to me because they want six-pack abs,” he says. “They want to travel without getting exhausted, keep up with their grandchildren, and stay active for as long as possible.”

His goal, he says, is to help people maintain the strength, energy, confidence and independence needed to enjoy the decades ahead.

Photo: Markham fitness trainer Igor Klibanov has published his 10th book, offering practical, evidence-based advice for adults over 50 struggling with weight gain.