Looking for advice/support from 40+, short women

skifvr1
skifvr1 Posts: 7 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I've always believed if you are over forty, short, and female, you don't have a prayer of losing weight. I'm feeling that way right now! Any words of advice, encouragement, support--success stories--from those of you who fit this description? Thanks!

Replies

  • DLKeeble
    DLKeeble Posts: 200 Member
    There are too many success stories on this site to believe that. I am 52 years old and have not exercised since the birth of my now 29 year old son. It is amazing how quickly the body responds to activity. I can't to a lot of high impact movements, but am getting there. I am at a little standstill for the past 2 weeks, but I do see some change in clothes sizes. I am going to keep on keeping on.
    I am hypothyroid, and have had five children. I am short and I have lost nearly 22 pounds. You can do this, anyone can. You just have to keep tweaking the calories, the sodium, water and move!
  • 0somuchbetter0
    0somuchbetter0 Posts: 1,335 Member
    I'm 5'3" and 46. Why would you think that?? There's no reason why you can't lose weight unless you have a medical condition that prevents it. Start logging your food and look over your diet, see what changes you can make. Get out and start moving. If you're not used to exercise, start by just walking around the block or on a treadmill. Start today!
  • skifvr1
    skifvr1 Posts: 7 Member
    The reason I think that is that is because everyone says it to me! "Oh, if you're over 40, it's impossible to lose weight." Or it's "really hard," or it "takes forever" and you "have to starve yourself."

    I eat too much. I know that. And this site has been helpful to me as far as being easy to use and kind of fun. I exercise 3-4 times a week for 30-45 minutes per session (kickboxing, elliptical trainer, yoga, walking). I've lost 35-40 pounds five times...and gained them back six times (a few more this last go around). I am 5'3", 42 years old, and in good health. I weigh approximately 175 pounds, which horrifies me. I'm very depressed about it, and it's all I think about. The saddest thing is, I've been putting my life "on hold" until I lose this weight....I know that's a mistake. I've lost one friend to a pulmonary embolism, and two friends to cancer. My dad died when he was 59, so I want to live life to the fullest while I can!

    I'd like to be 125 pounds.
  • nagniho
    nagniho Posts: 132 Member
    I've always believed if you are over forty, short, and female, you don't have a prayer of losing weight. I'm feeling that way right now! Any words of advice, encouragement, support--success stories--from those of you who fit this description? Thanks!


    Totally NOT true!!! I am 46 yrs old, 4'11 and have lost weight. I exercise, lift heavy and for Cardio I do Insanity. I have had great advise from some very informative posters in this forum and I follow the eat less than your TDEE ( Total Daily Energy Expenditure) but enough to fuel your body.

    You can do it too!!
  • 0somuchbetter0
    0somuchbetter0 Posts: 1,335 Member
    You certainly don't have to starve yourself! Keep reading the forums...it's amazing what you pick up. (But be discerning, there's a lot of BS out there too). Learn about your BMR and TDEE and figure out what your calorie needs are. You'll be surprised to find that it's more than you think. General rule to follow: increase your learn protein, decrease your carbs (especially white bread, white rice, etc.), eat lots of fresh vegs and fruits, and keep a close eye on fat, sodium, and sugar. Oh and drink lots of water!

    Don't try to lose it quickly...you'll only feel hungry and deprived and you'll be more likely to gain it back. Make dietary changes you can live with for the rest of your life. Be patient!
  • Otterluv
    Otterluv Posts: 9,083 Member
    We can lose muscle tone as we age, which can impact how many calories we burn. But, it's not like it's gone forever. You will want to incorporate strength training in with your cardio. I am nearing 40 with a vengeance (in a couple of months). But, I'm losing weight. If you find that you are keeping your calories in range, eating your fruits and veggies (so important!), exercising and you're still not losing any weight, then get your thyroid checked out. It's a pretty common issue, especially in women as we age. Also, people that are smaller tend to lose weight slower. Be patient.

    But yeah, age itself is not a hindrance to weight loss. Chin up, you can do this.

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