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The basic physiological facts are that: 

At approximately age 30, the metabolism starts a gradual slowdown. 

Around the age of 30, muscle mass slowly begins to decline. The decrease is small but the disappearing lean tissue is replaced with fat.  Thus, over time, your body needs fewer calories to perform its basic daily functions.

Muscle tissue is denser than fat tissue, a pound of fat occupies more space than a pound of muscle.

No one knows exactly what physical mechanism programs one to lose muscle and gain weight as one gets older.

Some endocrinologists believe that age-related changes in sex hormones are the major cause of muscle loss. 

Shifts in female hormones also have a part in weight gain and muscle loss, especially as women approach menopause.  On average, women put on about two pounds of fat as they  go through menopause, most of it around the waist.

Fat is designed to provide the body with energy and protect it from starvation. If you go below 1,000 calories a day, your body will slow your metabolism down to compensate. That's why weight loss slows down dramatically after a few days on a crash diet.

The amount of fat you burn with exercise seems to decrease with age.

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