Losing weight at 40?

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sbpuckett73
sbpuckett73 Posts: 11 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
So I've done tons of research and tried several different things to lose weight over the past two years but nothing seems to help much. The most I've lost was maybe 5 pounds. I just turned 40 in December, I'm a teacher and work a very stressful job in an even more stressful environment, I'm a single mom and one of my boys has multiple behavior disorders (more stress). Over the past two years I've gained nearly 25 pounds and want it gone for good. I've tried running daily with another hour of cardio and a very controlled diet - that's how I lost 5 pounds but that was over a two month period. I'm not an over-eater, I don't eat a lot of junk food, and I have no idea what to do. I think part of the issue is the meds that I have to take... I take mood disorder medications, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, and birth control. Does anyone have any advice besides to stop eating altogether?? I have a friend who's trying to talk me into the 24 day challenge but I don't think I can swing that expense and I'd prefer to do it the right way to make it stay off.

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  • serindipte
    serindipte Posts: 1,557 Member
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    So I've done tons of research and tried several different things to lose weight over the past two years but nothing seems to help much. The most I've lost was maybe 5 pounds. I just turned 40 in December, I'm a teacher and work a very stressful job in an even more stressful environment, I'm a single mom and one of my boys has multiple behavior disorders (more stress). Over the past two years I've gained nearly 25 pounds and want it gone for good. I've tried running daily with another hour of cardio and a very controlled diet - that's how I lost 5 pounds but that was over a two month period. I'm not an over-eater, I don't eat a lot of junk food, and I have no idea what to do. I think part of the issue is the meds that I have to take... I take mood disorder medications, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, and birth control. Does anyone have any advice besides to stop eating altogether?? I have a friend who's trying to talk me into the 24 day challenge but I don't think I can swing that expense and I'd prefer to do it the right way to make it stay off.

    I turn 40 this coming December, am a single mom, have a home daycare that includes one disabled child and my own ADHD 9 yr old.

    Start with weighing all solids, measuring all liquids and logging your food. You will likely be surprised at how much you are eating without realizing it.

    Some helpful links:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets

    If you aren't already using one, get and use a food scale. Weigh all solids. Measuring cups/spoons are not accurate:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVjWPclrWVY
    Neither is guessing:
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1270280-food-weighing-scale-miracles

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1235566-so-you-re-new-here

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/872212-you-re-probably-eating-more-than-you-think

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1234699-logging-accurately-step-by-step-guide

    http://www.acaloriecounter.com/blog/why-am-i-not-losing-weight/
  • Alisontheice
    Alisontheice Posts: 9,624 Member
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    I turned 40 last June 16 and I lost about 40lb since then.

    I stuck to eating as close to 1200 as possible and exercising every day. I cut my sugar intake a lot too.

    I would assume your meds have something to do with it.
  • pamela_73
    pamela_73 Posts: 25 Member
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    I don't buy into the idea that it is harder to lose weight after 40... it is just the same.. it's calories in vs calories out no matter what age you are.
  • Branstin
    Branstin Posts: 2,320 Member
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    Age is nothing but a number and has no bearing on weight loss. However, your medication may be hindering or masking your weight loss. Since you are on several medications, I think you should consult with your doctor to confirm if those are affecting your weight loss efforts. If so then get a referral to a qualified dietitian to help you create a weight loss plan that will work with your medication and still allow you to lose weight.
  • ronrstaats
    ronrstaats Posts: 294 Member
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    I was almost 47 and lost 150 pounds in 13 months... Will be turning 50 in a couple of months and the weight is still off.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,268 Member
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    I don't buy into the idea that it is harder to lose weight after 40... it is just the same.. it's calories in vs calories out no matter what age you are.

    x2

    I will be 42 this year...lost all my weight since turning 40.
  • sbpuckett73
    sbpuckett73 Posts: 11 Member
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    Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. I'd love to lose the 25 pounds this summer before I have to go back to my stressful job. And I'm hoping to create some very healthy habits with eating and exercise during this time so it will be easier to stick with it once I'm back to work. Glad to hear success stories after 40, I hear it so often and I've wondered if it were true.
  • Branstin
    Branstin Posts: 2,320 Member
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    I would like to make one more suggestion. Don’t put a date deadline on losing weight. The last thing you need is to add stress on top of stress. Stress will prevent weight loss for many people. Set a reasonable goal such as 1 lb. a week weight loss and focus on achieving that while building lifelong habits. Screw the calendar.
  • AnthonyThrashD
    AnthonyThrashD Posts: 306
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    I'm 45 and have lost 25 lbs...ignore my ticker, I began losing weight before I joined MFP O:-)
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
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    I'm 46 and in far better shape and 25+ lbs lighter than I was in my 30's.

    Creating the healthy habits and eating the RIGHT number of cals for my stats and activity level has been key - you don't want to over eat, but under eating isn't the answer either - it just adds to the stress and frustration.

    I've found this topic to be very helpful for finding my calorie parameters and setting up my goals: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/974888-in-place-of-a-road-map-2k13

    I know my BMR (lowest number of cals I should eat) and my TDEE (number of cals needed to maintain), and I eat in between those numbers. You may see posts here regarding the TDEE method, that's what that thread talks about and what has been best for me.

    But honestly, the MFP method comes out about the same if used correctly. Set up your account with accurate info and reasonable goals. Eat your calories, drink water, exercise if possible, take rest days and do your best to get good sleep. If you exercise, eat at least a good portion of those calories back, as your original goal given at MFP already has you in a calorie deficit, and burning off more cals through exercise makes too big a deficit - food is fuel, and eating them back brings you back to your original deficit.

    Hope that helps! Other than what's been said, have patience. it takes time, but it's worth it!

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