Fit in your 40s, The struggle is real!

Agree. It is staying focused and consistent. I am 41, and in the best shape of my life - but I work at it every day. I log even when I am at maintenance weight. (otherwise, it will come back!)

Im 41, am as fit and lean as when i was 20. Its just as easy. Its all about being active and controlling eating(calories). Most people are not as active as they get older and when your sitting around the house it easier to eat more than when your out doing activities. That the real reason people gain weight as they get older.

48, things haven't slowed down for me yet. I fear the menopause, but for now metabolism seems to be the same as it's always been. Was thinner at 43 than at 25, but that wasn't a good thing; now I am at healthy weight and just looking to adjust a little and to get an idea of how much I am eating. I asked this on another thread and someone posted the formula - 5 calories less per year, so for 20 years older you'd have to eat 100 less calories or work out an extra half hour or so, it's not a big deal but that may be what's tripping you up?

What does go slower for me now is recovery. It takes longer to heal than when I was young.

I'm 44 and in better shape than I was at half this age. I put success down to consistency, patience, regular activity (mine is just walking part of my commute) and no deadline. (I shifted around 35lbs in six months)

Being fit and maintaining a healthy weight is hard at any age. I lost 50lbs at 32 and now at 37 I still have a hard time keeping my weight steady. Every day is a fight. You just keep plugging and you need to keep perspective. This is for life.

I'm 52 next month. And I'm the fittest I have ever been. So I don't think age is a struggle at all. I think you have find your "why". That is the most important thing. Why are you wanting to get fit? Heath? Activity level?

I understand "why I chose to do this over a year ago! And that has never left my mind for one minute. I keep it on my bathroom mirror to remind me ever morning, specially when I don't feel like I want to do anything.

@lynn_glenmont is on to something about muscle loss. I am 45 and didn't start losing consistently until I rebuilt the muscle tissue that had been lost. I was pretty muscular when I was younger (genetics + swimmer), and since muscle is metabolic tissue my body was just being stubborn and wanted it back before it would comply. Had to deal with a couple of pounds gained before I lost but losing steadily now except for setbacks during irregular cycles (perimenopause). Might be water gain but it slows the whole linear thing down. Everyone is different though and this might not apply to you!
Also, when you only have a small amount to lose, it is hard to attain the calorie deficits needed to lose - say a pound a week. I am short and have 20 more to go and can only manage a calorie deficit of about 300/day. You need 500/day to lose a pound a week.

betuel75 wrote: »

Im 41, am as fit and lean as when i was 20. Its just as easy. Its all about being active and controlling eating(calories). Most people are not as active as they get older and when your sitting around the house it easier to eat more than when your out doing activities. That the real reason people gain weight as they get older.

This.

I just turned 60 and have stayed within 10% of my hs graduation weight of 200 pounds ever since. I wear the same size clothing as my 24 yo son who has done some local fitness modeling (although he does fill them out a but better)

It just depends on controlling your calories and movement at any age.

I'm 41. I lost about 25 lbs using MFP to watch my calorie intake. It wasn't hard.
Eat the right amount of calories for your activity level.

sheilasawyer534 wrote: »

For those of you of a more mature age, what works for you when attempting to lose weight? I have been struggling for months trying to lose 12 pounds. I have always been able to keep my weight in check through diet and exercise but now in my mid 40s, my weight is creeping up and what use to work, doesn't anymore.

You've received quite the variety in responses. I guess it is easier to feel fit as ever if you were able to maintain your weight all your life. I'm 45 and recently began refocusing on my fitness and lose weight. I loss track while working on my master's degree, and am a single mother. I feel is has been more difficult, but only because I think I was a bit in denial of what I was eating and how much I was eating and I also have neuro-muscular issues that I must accommodate or make adjustments to prevent complete muscle fatigue. So, I guess it depends on what you are use to and what changes you are willing to make. Proper nutrition is essential and balance with exercise is another key component. My life in my 40's is not the same as it was in my 20's and 30's. Putting in the exercise time takes effort and planning. So, whether it's harder because of slower metabolism or if it's a change in lifestyle due to natural changes in life may all be individual. Sometimes what 'always' worked doesn't work because your body is different now or your general activity level (life) is different. However, if you track your food intake, focus on healthy food choices, and increase your activity eventually you'll lose weight. Don't forget some strength training - lean muscle burns more calories and is good for your overall health.

Best wishes to you in your journey.

If you feel you've been consistent and this change is unexplained it might be worth a trip to the doc.

I'm 44 and very happy I started lifting weights in my 20's.

I'm active and I think it actually has gotten easier with age, but that's mostly consistency. What I do notice, as someone up thread mentioned, is that recovery time is greater. But don't use age as an excuse to give up on yourself.

ilex70 wrote: »

Digital food scale with a TARE button. Get one. Use it.

And personally a fan of higher intensity cardio, but that isn't required.

45, down 42 pounds in 4 months.

Yep. Age is just an excuse. Get a food scale - log accurately. Keep a calorie deficit. Watch the scale go down. (Age 43 here)

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