Post menopause - weight loss seems so much harder!

susanofscottsdale
susanofscottsdale Posts: 114
edited October 12 in Health and Weight Loss
What is it about the post-menopausal body that makes it so difficult to lose weight? Sometimes it seems like it does not matter how much or how little I eat, or what I eat, or how much I exercise.... the body is determined to hang on to every ounce of fat.

I am getting there - slowly and correctly. However I continue to be amazed at how much more difficult it is now to lose weight than it was in earlier stages of my life. It seems to be more than an altered metabolism, which I can adjust for. What is it?

Replies

  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    I hear ya! I'm almost 53 and still peri-menopausal (haven't had a period since June)...but it is so true, loosing weight at this time in your life is so challenging. I see a lot of posts on hear from the younger women about TOM (time of month weight gain) and I'm sorry but I just roll my eyes. Just wait!!!.......because menopause tops all in the 'I'm bloated/ weight gain' department!
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    here's a link to a menopause group that I belong to on here, misery loves company lol!

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/345844-near-or-post-menopausal-group
  • djkramme
    djkramme Posts: 1 Member
    I'm feeling very discouraged - had hysterectomy/ovaries removed 2 years ago, & gained 20 lbs. I've logged in for more than 150 days & not lost a pound, even though it always says my weight should be less in five weeks. This is the most difficult weight loss effort I've ever encountered. What do I need to do differently?
  • marymickaela
    marymickaela Posts: 190 Member
    I'm 64 and also take lots of meds for a medical condition. One is a weight gaining med which makes me crave sweets. I'm also dealing with stress eating. I used to be so proud of myself in my 20's and 30's how easy it was while my friends struggled. If I only knew then what I know now.

    I'm going to check out the menopause group.
  • csofled
    csofled Posts: 3,022 Member
    I'm 56 and 11 years post menopausal. I went through it naturally at a younger age than most. Between aging factors, menopause and depression/chronic headache medications I really feel like I am up against a wall trying to lose the weight I need to. I am 5'3" and 189 lbs . Have been on MFP since mid March and have slowly lost about a pound a week. I have my calories set at 1300 and do beginners strength training 3 days a week with the addition of a daily walk. I have set my mindset on the fact that I am doing what is within my abilities to arrive in the long term at a healthier place. It is definitely a journey!
  • pjhaz
    pjhaz Posts: 2 Member
    I'm 62 and have been eating 1300 calories a day, logging everything I put in my mouth. I lose about a pound a week. I bicycle outdoors two to three times a week, go about 8-10 miles on terrain that is hilly. My husband does nothing and loses about three pounds a week. I think the universe is just having a good laugh. I try to stay positive, but this body is sure greedy about giving up the pounds. Onward!
  • suruda
    suruda Posts: 1,233 Member
    At this age, (50) I find that what I eat does matter as well as the calories. I do 1200 calories and keep the vast majority of those lean proteins, fruits and veggies. For dinner tonight it is a turkey burger patty, smothered in mushrooms with a side of watermelon. (for example) My husband who is almost 60 eats 3 times as much as me and is skinny as a rail...if I didn't love him, I'd have to hate him!
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