Menopause weight gain

hegster01
hegster01 Posts: 66 Member
in Introduce Yourself

Hi, I’m 55 and until recently, I never really struggled with my weight. But since hitting menopause, I’ve gained about 10 pounds—all of it around my belly—and it’s been really tough to get rid of. Just looking to connect with other women going through the same thing and maybe share some support and tips.

Replies

  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 37,435 Community Helper

    Hello and welcome!

    Most of the super-highly-marketed programs for menopausal women are going to boil down to a small to moderate but reasonably consistent calorie deficit, regular progressive strength training, and good overall nutrition (especially adequate protein). It's good advice IMO, but there's no need to pay some internet marketer for those basics. 😉

    I didn't commit to weight loss and join MFP until age 59, and I'd already been in menopause for around 15 years by then (chemotherapy-triggered) plus severely hypothyroid (medicated for that). YMMV, but for me, once I got serious about the process, it was simpler than I'd expected, though not necessarily psychologically easy every single second, of course. Permanently changing habits always does require effort, right?

    My favorite tip for newer folks here - menopausal or otherwise - is to work toward a relatively easy-to-follow plan, sustainable and focused on finding new, more positive long-term habits, rather than falling into the "lose weight fast" trap. Sometimes gradual weight loss and fitness improvement can get us to our goals in less calendar time than extreme plans that eventually trigger backsliding or giving up altogether because they're impractical, unpleasant, and generally just too hard.

    Wishing you success: IME, it's worth the effort!

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