Age 53 not able to reduce weight on midsection

Hey there, I just wanted to share a bit about my journey with this app. I've been using it for years, and while I love it, I also use other fitness apps to support my exercise routine. A year ago, I managed to lose 8 kg, and before that, I lost 20 kg, which I gained due to medication. At that time, it was really challenging to shed that weight.

Now, at 53, I've maintained my weight at 56.5 kg after losing those 8 kg, but I’m struggling with that stubborn area around my waist. It doesn’t look too appealing, and it’s been tough for me. I feel like I’m doing everything right—drinking plenty of water, doing weight-bearing exercises, yoga, and walking for about 60 minutes a day. My diet is also quite healthy; I focus on getting enough protein and avoiding junk food and sugar.

Despite all this effort, I’m feeling a bit lost about what more I can do. It’s frustrating to not see the results I’m hoping for, and I’m reaching out because I really want to understand why it’s so hard to lose that last bit of weight. Any advice or support would be greatly appreciated!

Answers

  • tomcustombuilder
    tomcustombuilder Posts: 2,477 Member

    its a calorie issue. You're taking in too many. If you aren't counting and tracking them you need to start. The closer you get to your goal weight the harder it becomes to lose that last bit of fat.

  • sollyn23l2
    sollyn23l2 Posts: 1,968 Member

    Many women in menopause will develop a potbelly due to redistribution of fat due to hormone changes, if that's is the case for you. Either way, the only solution is to drop calories a bit further. And you may never have a tiny waist just due to genetics.

  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 36,409 Member

    I agree with advice above (speaking as a 69 y/o woman, BTW - lost weight at 59-60).

    One further thing: The research results are mixed, but there are some hints that regular strength training may help reduce midsection fat (alongside the calorie deficit) in peri- or post-menopausal women. If you're not strength training now, that might be a thing to consider. Bonus for daily life functioning and bone health, too, so worth it for various reasons.

  • Lietchi
    Lietchi Posts: 7,097 Member

    On top of the already good advice above, a few questions for you:

    Are you sure it's fat and not loose skin?

    Are you sure it's not related to your posture?

    Have you tried stomach vacuum exercises to strengthen your core muscles?

    Just in case abdominal fat is not the issue 🙂

  • Corina1143
    Corina1143 Posts: 4,741 Member

    Boy do I empathize! After a hysterectomy at 72 years old and losing 50 pounds, my waist is the biggest by far it's ever been! How?!

    I'll keep checking back for suggestions.

  • mollygetsfit2015
    mollygetsfit2015 Posts: 1 Member

    I'm a bit younger (45) but just finished perimenopause and am fighting that belly fat war as well. I am making tiny gains, some strategies include reducing caffeine to 2-3 servings a week from 4-6 a day, upping exercise amount and challenge level, especially Pilates and other core work.