Losing weight after 40
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Our 40+ metabolism is a bit slower than it used to be. However, do not let that be a crutch or an excuse. The same principles apply - move more, eat better. You can do this!0
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It is harder to lose weight after 40... especially when menopause is around the corner. I lost 50 last year and am working on the last 40 but am seeing some hormonal changes if you catch my drift and I swear it is harder this year than last.. I am constantly bloated for one.. I have to track my sodium with a fine tooth comb or it seems I bloat right up.
Everyone is different at this age, what might be easy for some is more difficult for others.You will just have to find what works for you.. I am still finding my way...seems like it might take twice as long to lose the last 40lbs.0 -
This . The metabolic slowdown is only around 100 calories per 10 years so not a lot. In reality the reason older people think they don't lose weight as easier as they used to is they are less active overall and they sometimes just don't realise it so cling on to this myth. I'm 45 I have had absolutely no problem once I set my goals and stuck to them. I have many people on my friends list both male and female of ages up to 60 and the ones that set their goals and do the work lose weight. I'm afraid your age is not an excuse. If you want it you'll do it.The difference at our age is simply a matter of activity. Yes, there is some general metabolic slow down, but it isn't nearly as severe as people make it out to be.
Calculate a reasonable calorie goal, set your macros so you get enough fat and protein, start a resistance training program, and do some cardio to improve your conditioning and allow you to eat more calories. That's it. It takes the discipline to make the necessary changes and there will be bumps in the road, but if you pick exercise programs that you truly enjoy and stick with them and your calorie goals, then you will be successful.
Good luck!0 -
I am not going to lie since hitting the 40's and worse being in menopause I have to work harder. A fellow middle ager and I were laughing at the gym she aid her doctor told her "twice as hard and half the results" but... first week on fitness pal and I lost 3lbs!!! Didn't starve myself, used basically all my calories daily and did some form of exercise daily - sometimes only 20 minutes but I got results so don't give up!0
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The difference at our age is simply a matter of activity. Yes, there is some general metabolic slow down, but it isn't nearly as severe as people make it out to be.
Calculate a reasonable calorie goal, set your macros so you get enough fat and protein, start a resistance training program, and do some cardio to improve your conditioning and allow you to eat more calories. That's it. It takes the discipline to make the necessary changes and there will be bumps in the road, but if you pick exercise programs that you truly enjoy and stick with them and your calorie goals, then you will be successful.
Good luck!0 -
one reason it becomes more difficult for us, is that after a certain age, we begin to lose muscle if we don't take measures to exercise and stay strong...lower muscle mass = slower metabolism. So, one way to stop it from getting even more difficult, is to strength train and work those muscles
This is so true - its called sarcopenia. We also need to eat more complete protein as we age.
From wikipedia: Sarcopenia (from the Greek meaning "poverty of flesh") is the degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass (0.5-1% loss per year after the age of 25), quality, and strength associated with aging.0 -
I'm 42 and am finding it super easy to lose weight. Using MFP to count calories and adding some cardio and strength training to my life I'm losing 3.5 pounds per week, on average. I just started 4 weeks ago and I haven't felt this healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally in 20 years. Those feelings alone are an incredible motivator for me. Maybe they will be for you too if you give yourself a chance!
Exercise shouldn't feel gruelling. it's an incredibly positive addition to your life. If you find it gruelling then maybe you need to find a different exercise that you'll enjoy. Best of luck, feel free to add me as a friend if you'd like some additional encouragement!0 -
I gained weight when I married an Italian:) But, I have no one to blame but myself. I am still at a healthy weight. But, I don't like being in the 140's. So, I set a goal of five pounds by my 43rd and have lost three already. Two more to go. I have been paying more attention to the amount of fat I eat and the calories going in. Increased the amount of exercise.
Feel free to add me!0 -
, I was at my heaviest two years ago (270). I got serious about strength training and eating clean. Didn’t really count calories at first just cut out the junk, sodas, sugars and other sweets. Hit the gym at least 3 days a week focusing on three body parts; legs, core and upper body. It was very difficult at first, work through the soreness and stick with it. I’ve since refined my workouts and eating habits (notice I didn’t say diet, just eat healthy and clean!). To date I’ve lost 45lbs and gained tons of muscle and strength. I now consume almost 3,000 cals a day and lift 6 days a week. I turn 47 in two weeks.0
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Yeah, our metabolism slows down, we aren't as energetic (naturally), we lose a little muscle and if we hit menopause, its just a little harder on all accounts.
But, then, we may have these things going for us more than we used to:
1. We know what its like to be in something for the long haul, and we have the dedication and the sense to deal with the ups and downs that are going to come along
2. We have enough self-confidence to walk into a gym and not give a @%#$ about anybody's business but our own
3. We've achieved something, whether its raising a child, running a business, or building a career, and we know how to put a plan together to get things done
4. We're old enough to have learned that things don't always come easy, and you just have to deal with it
Good luck!0 -
The difference at our age is simply a matter of activity. Yes, there is some general metabolic slow down, but it isn't nearly as severe as people make it out to be.
Calculate a reasonable calorie goal, set your macros so you get enough fat and protein, start a resistance training program, and do some cardio to improve your conditioning and allow you to eat more calories. That's it. It takes the discipline to make the necessary changes and there will be bumps in the road, but if you pick exercise programs that you truly enjoy and stick with them and your calorie goals, then you will be successful.
Good luck!
^yep.
I am 46 and do not have any more issues losing weight than when I was younger - in fact it is easier as I have more knowledge about how to do it.0 -
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The difference at our age is simply a matter of activity. Yes, there is some general metabolic slow down, but it isn't nearly as severe as people make it out to be.
Calculate a reasonable calorie goal, set your macros so you get enough fat and protein, start a resistance training program, and do some cardio to improve your conditioning and allow you to eat more calories. That's it. It takes the discipline to make the necessary changes and there will be bumps in the road, but if you pick exercise programs that you truly enjoy and stick with them and your calorie goals, then you will be successful.
Good luck!
Exactly.
Thank you.0 -
NO.The Venus Factor – Feminine Body Transformation Formula
Warning: Venus Factor, a fitness program specifically designed for women of all ages. The primary focus of this program is not weight loss or burning excess body fat. It is all about getting that magical feminine shape!
visit review site : venusfactorshop.com0 -
I joined MFP when I was 48 - I'm now 50 and have never been as fit, healthy or this size (UK 12) before. You can do it - ping me if you'd like a supportive friend :flowerforyou:0
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Me too:glasses:0
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Meh, I'm 42 and honestly, never better! I have many smoking hot over 40 friends here. You can be anything you wish. And lift heavy. :flowerforyou:0
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I'm 45, and I don't find it any harder to lose weight than when I was younger. What I have found though, is that if I don't watch my diet and exercise levels carefully, I gain a lot easier than I used to. Plus, I gain in different places. Gone are the days when I could willy nilly eat and drink without repercussions.0
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NO.The Venus Factor – Feminine Body Transformation Formula
Warning: Venus Factor, a fitness program specifically designed for women of all ages. The primary focus of this program is not weight loss or burning excess body fat. It is all about getting that magical feminine shape!
visit review site : venusfactorshop.com
Magical Feminine shape!!!
You'll be shaped like a UNICORN!!! Oh boy!!!0 -
I know how you feel but as I am now over 40 I'm not giving in !!
I will and am losing weight and everyone can add me the more friends the easier it is 0 -
Meh, I'm 42 and honestly, never better! I have many smoking hot over 40 friends here. You can be anything you wish. And lift heavy. :flowerforyou:
Yes you are smoking hot Heather:flowerforyou:
I'm 46 this month and find it easier now because I take responsibility for my actions (what I put in my mouth) and I'm more mature than I was in my twenties. I'm aspiring to have more discipline this year and have a hard body at 50:flowerforyou:0 -
" Just do what you know you need to be doing and decide you are in it for the long haul."
Absolutely what is working for me at 46. I've lost 16 pounds in the last 2 months - much faster and more consistent loss than ever before (even when I was in my 20's). I just had to make the decision that no matter what, I'm in it for as long as it takes.
edited for typos....0 -
I am also over 40 and would like to lose 50lbs. Feel free to add me.0
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This reminds me of a conversation I had with a coworker about my weight loss
She said that she needed to lose weight too but it was so hard because she was 44 and it was easier for me because I was younger
i replied that I was 42.
That was my much needed ego boost for that day
Age is nothing but a number = don't use it as an excuse0 -
I'm 47 and lost 70 lbs last year. It can be done you just have to want it bad enough to stick with it long term. Thanks to the good advice I received here I incorporated weight training and my daughter insists I look better than ever, even at the same weight I was years ago before letting myself go.0
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The difference at our age is simply a matter of activity. Yes, there is some general metabolic slow down, but it isn't nearly as severe as people make it out to be.
Calculate a reasonable calorie goal, set your macros so you get enough fat and protein, start a resistance training program, and do some cardio to improve your conditioning and allow you to eat more calories. That's it. It takes the discipline to make the necessary changes and there will be bumps in the road, but if you pick exercise programs that you truly enjoy and stick with them and your calorie goals, then you will be successful.
Good luck!
Another vote for this advice. I'm 52 and have lost 50 pounds.
I think when you are older, it often comes down to habits you have formed throughout your life, and changing those habits. For me, I had to learn to pay attention to how much I was eating (thanks MFP), learn and implement information like adding resistance training to retain muscle as I lost fat, eating enough protein and fat, not restricting any food, and not always going by the scale to determine progress (thanks http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/10067-eat-train-progress-).0 -
I lost 2 lbs this week - I feel like the scale should say 5 at least! I mean I feel a lot lighter... I don't know - im giving it 30 days - that's a good time frame to really judge if its working....
You lost a couple pounds and more importantly you feel lighter. I'd say it's working really well.
CoffeBugg - love your avatar!0 -
This reminds me of a conversation I had with a coworker about my weight loss
She said that she needed to lose weight too but it was so hard because she was 44 and it was easier for me because I was younger
i replied that I was 42.
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This, except I'm 44.The difference at our age is simply a matter of activity. Yes, there is some general metabolic slow down, but it isn't nearly as severe as people make it out to be.
Calculate a reasonable calorie goal, set your macros so you get enough fat and protein, start a resistance training program, and do some cardio to improve your conditioning and allow you to eat more calories. That's it. It takes the discipline to make the necessary changes and there will be bumps in the road, but if you pick exercise programs that you truly enjoy and stick with them and your calorie goals, then you will be successful.
Good luck!
^yep.
I am 46 and do not have any more issues losing weight than when I was younger - in fact it is easier as I have more knowledge about how to do it.0 -
I'm 44 and i don't use my age as an excuse in trying to lose weight. Sure, everyone's body is different. and it might take longer to lose the weight, but if you eat somewhat healthy and stay active, then you shouldn't have any issues.0
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