Many people feel confused when they gain weight even though they eat only home-cooked food. The reason is not always the type of food, but how many calories the body can burn. After the age of 35, metabolism naturally slows down and the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) decreases. This means the body burns fewer calories than before. If someone continues eating the same quantity of food as in their twenties, even a small excess of around 300 calories per day can slowly lead to weight gain over time. This is why people often say they are eating the same food but still gaining weight. Home-cooked food is healthier than processed food, but portion size still matters. Regular meals with rotis, rice, and cooking oil can exceed the body’s calorie needs when metabolism slows down.