Menopause and Weight Gain
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yep water retention seems to be the normal for me now too....gahhh1
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Hi all, so glad to have found this group and this thread. I am 56; having lost weight and achieved my goal weight in 2014/15, I maintained for several years and then came acid reflux medication, a year wth a lot of conferences (hotel food
), and menopause (I was hungry all the time and quickly had a spare tyre). After Easter this year I binged on chocolate and was the highest weight I have ever been. I found videos to help me do more focused exercise (I was swimming before the pools shut) and began logging again here on mfp and am now losing again. What I am really noticing that I react differently to food now. Before menopause (last time I was laosing) I had to be careful of bread and pasta but otherwise it did not seem to matter too much what I ate (I cook a lot for myself and don't eat much processed food). Now I need to eat a lot fewer carbs generally, particularly in the evenings. And milk chocolate has a really drastic effect on my weight! 3 -
Living The Lean Dream,
I just had my 2nd carpal tunnel surgery last week, so my plan is once my hand has healed I will add some light weight exercise.
Really glad to have found this group !
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Ouch, hope you heal up quickly. I have to watch everything I eat. And I mean everything. But I can eat. I just need to leave trigger foods alone. Sweets period. If I start on them I just can't seem to stop. the only thing I seem to be able to get away with if a small soft cone at Dairy Queen at the end of the day. And make sure there is nothing else in the house. 
charmmeth I felt hungry all the time also. Things that used to feel me up just didn't do it. I really found I have to cut the sweets and keep in a balanced calorie deficit otherwise. It is worth it though.
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@zumbaforever you will be glad to have that surgery over.
This group isn't overly active for participation, a lot of groups end up being like that but at least we see the notification if someone does post a reply.
It really is the case that calories in has to be on point - I had in recent months upped my exercise but I found I was more hungry because of that so therefore eating more which meant I was just maintaining rather than losing the few pounds I was hoping to.
I'm back to being more careful about my intake now and I do think that matters more than anything.
Wishing your hand a speedy recovery.
Ruth
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Even if it is sporadic, this seems a really good group to have on mfp. A student at my university was doing focus groups of women going through menopause; it was such a relief to talk to other women and find out that I was not alone. I find it astonishing how little I was prepared for menopause.3
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Hi, ladies! Nice to see a revival of interest in this group. I turn 54 next month and have been using MFP since February. I've lost 20 lbs since then (30 YTD because I started in Jan with a different plan) but mostly just working at maintaining for the past 2 months.
Hormonal food cravings have always been an issue for me (hello, chocolate 💜) but it's really noticeable now, when I might go 3 or 4 months without a period and then really get whammied with cravings along with a cycle.
I'm also short, so my long term weight loss goal is another 40 pounds, but right now I just need to figure out how to maintain without too much yo-yoing.
Send me a friend request if you'd like!1 -
I am just so tired of working hard all the time, especially with my aches and pains, just to maintain where I am. I am hungry all the time so it is all I can do to just stay in maintenance. And actually, I set up MFP where if I "0" out on my calories, I should technically lose half a pound a week. Well, I usually leave some calories on the table, so to speak but do I lose weight? No ...
At 48, I keep on injuring myself in small ways. My latest is turf toe after getting over weird knee issue (it feels like I have something floating under one of my knee cap and if it floats "wrong", well, I could potentially keep me off exercise for days.
Basically, I am just sick and tired ...0 -
I am so glad to see this group active again.
Hello to everyone new.
I've gained weight over 4 years perimenopause- celebrating full menopause but not my weight. Another 10lb in lockdown.
Outdoor 1:1 Socially distanced Personal Training been allowed for about 2 months now so I got right back to it. Lost couple of lbs but still not fueling on enough protein & eating too much sugar. So got to grips with it last week with PT. Gyms opened on Sat. My husband's "weekend " is Sunday & Monday so with summer holiday away cancelled we're having Days out on his Mondays off- therefore I'm going to aim to train when he's at work.
I need to be a dress size down by 1st Sept when we return to the physical classroom full time- can't afford another set of bigger clothes.
How's everyone else doing?
Totally agree with insulin & sugar thing- I absolutely crave sugar & choc.2 -
rhtexasgal wrote: »I am just so tired of working hard all the time, especially with my aches and pains, just to maintain where I am. ... Basically, I am just sick and tired ...
So sorry to hear this. It is a miserable time for some people. What exercise are you using? I am finding that I need more variety and less intensity to get weight to come off. Body Fit by Amy has some really good low intensity videos that I have been following. And I have been doing Scottish Ballet's beginner's barre for 55+. That has really strengthened my feet and legs which has helped a lot.
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rhtexasgal wrote: »I am just so tired of working hard all the time, especially with my aches and pains, just to maintain where I am ...
Rhtexasgal, I hear you. Give yourself some grace as our bodies are changing. Fortunately there are more components to health than just the numbers on the scale.
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angeloup50 wrote: »rhtexasgal wrote: »I am just so tired of working hard all the time, especially with my aches and pains, just to maintain where I am ...
Rhtexasgal, I hear you. Give yourself some grace as our bodies are changing. Fortunately there are more components to health than just the numbers on the scale.
I appreciate it ... I try not to dwell too much on it but I have such cool clothes from losing and maintaining for years and now not being able to fit into half of it! So frustrating that I have to buy pants a size up just to accommodate my belly!0 -
rhtexasgal wrote: »I am just so tired of working hard all the time, especially with my aches and pains, just to maintain where I am. ... Basically, I am just sick and tired ...
So sorry to hear this. It is a miserable time for some people. What exercise are you using? I am finding that I need more variety and less intensity to get weight to come off. Body Fit by Amy has some really good low intensity videos that I have been following. And I have been doing Scottish Ballet's beginner's barre for 55+. That has really strengthened my feet and legs which has helped a lot.
I found the Hasfit channel on Youtube where I have found such variety of Tabata, HIIT, low impact, etc. that they show not only in intense movement but also modified moves if you are not quite up to the intensity. I have not repeated a workout yet. If I am having a good day, I do the more intense options and not so good day, the lighter ones. I also have found some great low impact yoga and stretching videos.
Thanks to COVID I have not been back to the gym and my membership expired. I miss a few things there but for the most part, I can still get a great workout at home. I also powerwalk, 4 mph is my "fast" pace, 4-5 times a week most of the time.2 -
Hi everyone! I just joined this group. I am going to be 55 in June. before I turned 50, my goal was to post a bikini pic on my 50th birthday. I did it! Well, that was almost 5 years ago and I have gained 10 pounds since then. My last period was about 3 years ago... I eat very clean, almost no processed foods at all, I track my calories... workout 4 -5 times a week, HIIT training 4 at least 4 times a week as well as Strength training... ughhhh... I can't get past 145 pounds. I am 5'3. I bought one of those biometric scales to measure my fat, muscle, visceral fat.. all that stuff so that I could be encouraged if I was gaining muscle.. NO LUCK... soooo discouraing... and honestly... I am supposed to be eating 1500 calories and it is soo hard for me.. I just honestly can eat 1200 calories with no problem, but they I hear "you aren't eating enough." I am very very discourged... not giving up.. but very discouraged.1
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Hi, I am new here. I had my baby in my early 40s, lost the weight, then started menopause. All one after another. Now I gained 20 pounds in two years, in addition to a sciatica episode of one year, that finally started to heal. Little by little, I am trying to get back in shape. It seems at times that I cannot recognize myself. A moody, sluggish person replaced my active, positive former self. Thank you for your support.5
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I didn't read **every* single post here, but I have to say to 100% of those that I did read a resounding "ME TOO!"
I have a desk job that requires me to be seated or standing still 10+ hours per day. In my non-work hours, I chase my dog around the yard (which are both big!), my husband and I walk nearly 4 miles every night rain or shine, and I exercise either HIIT, weight training, yoga, or some combination of the three every day. In total, I spend about 2 hours a day exercising and if I consume more than 1160 calories, I gain weight. (Yes, 1160 exactly. I've been experimenting with this for a while now.) The ONLY time I lose weight is on Saturday mornings, so I'm guessing it's job-related stress.
I can't quit my job. I can't keep exercising for 2 hours per day. Even with all this, I'm still obese. It's so depressing.
This is the first time I've said that "out loud" to anyone but my husband. I guess just the fact that someone is reading this, and that it looks like I'm not alone is some comfort.8 -
I didn't read **every* single post here, but I have to say to 100% of those that I did read a resounding "ME TOO!"
I have a desk job that requires me to be seated or standing still 10+ hours per day. In my non-work hours, I chase my dog around the yard (which are both big!), my husband and I walk nearly 4 miles every night rain or shine, and I exercise either HIIT, weight training, yoga, or some combination of the three every day. In total, I spend about 2 hours a day exercising and if I consume more than 1160 calories, I gain weight. (Yes, 1160 exactly. I've been experimenting with this for a while now.) The ONLY time I lose weight is on Saturday mornings, so I'm guessing it's job-related stress.
I can't quit my job. I can't keep exercising for 2 hours per day. Even with all this, I'm still obese. It's so depressing.
This is the first time I've said that "out loud" to anyone but my husband. I guess just the fact that someone is reading this, and that it looks like I'm not alone is some comfort.
I feel your pain. It's like I have to starve just to not gain weight! Reducing stress has helped me a lot. I started doing yoga and I feel a lot better and have managed to lose a bit of weight.1 -
Me, too.
I think stress is a huge thing in my life, our lives. That just increases cortisol and belly fat. I have a belly now like a kangaroo pouch and I never had that before.
However, I gained 20 pounds in the last year due to stuffing my feelings down with food.
I did join an app Called Stepfit where you pay into a pot and then after 6 weeks of meeting your walking goals, you get a payout; the pay out is not big at all like $7 dollars (you get your entry fee plus the payout), but I have to say knowing I have to meet my daily walking goals is a huge plus. Sometimes, it's 9:00 pm and I need 1000 more steps for the day, so I walk around my house.
I'm not endorsing Stepfit app but some type of accountability is what works for me.
I have lost 12 pounds since Dec. 1st but need to lose much more. I also made a challenge in the challenge category if anyone wants to be part of. It's called "20 pound to lose challenge Apri 1-July 31". It's a friendly group of people and we just post our weight or tips. Again, accountability is a great motivator.0 -
My joints hurt, as well. I know that's a menopausal effect. I get up from a chair and feel so stiff. I think I need to do yoga; I used to really love it.1
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I am 57, and I can resonate with so much of what you are all saying. This past few months I have been working out regularly with BodyFit by Amy. I still have that lower belly bulge, but my knees and shoulders are so much stronger. I've also lost 14kg (2.2 stone, so over 30 lbs) since last May. ddly with more exercise I am less hungry. I'mm working on that bulge but I feel so much fitter!
(Amy's theme for April is "Ab-solution", so lots of core work. I am waiting to see if that helps.)
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tinamarina66 wrote: »Hi everyone! I just joined this group. I am going to be 55 in June. before I turned 50, my goal was to post a bikini pic on my 50th birthday. I did it! Well, that was almost 5 years ago and I have gained 10 pounds since then. My last period was about 3 years ago... I eat very clean, almost no processed foods at all, I track my calories... workout 4 -5 times a week, HIIT training 4 at least 4 times a week as well as Strength training... ughhhh... I can't get past 145 pounds. I am 5'3. I bought one of those biometric scales to measure my fat, muscle, visceral fat.. all that stuff so that I could be encouraged if I was gaining muscle.. NO LUCK... soooo discouraing... and honestly... I am supposed to be eating 1500 calories and it is soo hard for me.. I just honestly can eat 1200 calories with no problem, but they I hear "you aren't eating enough." I am very very discourged... not giving up.. but very discouraged.
UGH. This is totally me. Just turned 49 and despite working out and lifting, I still seem to be gaining weight around my middle.1 -
Hi Everyone! I'm new to MFP and this group, and boy oh boy- I am so glad I found you all!
I am 50 and feeling all the symptoms of menopause: night sweats keeping me up most of the night, depression, weight gain of 20 pounds since Christmas and just plain ol miserable.
I had a consultation yesterday for bioidentical hormones, and I think I'm going to try it. Lab work appointment is in the morning, so this will tell us where my levels are at and we can go from there.
I am 5'2" and could stand to lose 50 pounds. Ugh. I just want to FEEL BETTER more than anything.
So nice to meet you all.
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TBlackwell7138 wrote: »Hi Everyone! I'm new to MFP and this group, and boy oh boy- I am so glad I found you all!
I am 50 and feeling all the symptoms of menopause: night sweats keeping me up most of the night, depression, weight gain of 20 pounds since Christmas and just plain ol miserable.
I had a consultation yesterday for bioidentical hormones, and I think I'm going to try it. Lab work appointment is in the morning, so this will tell us where my levels are at and we can go from there.
I am 5'2" and could stand to lose 50 pounds. Ugh. I just want to FEEL BETTER more than anything.
So nice to meet you all.
Good luck! I hope they work well for you!1 -
Hi. I live in WA State, USA. I am not new to MFP. I joined many years ago and lost a bunch of weight. Now, since lockdown and turning 50, the weight is creeping back on, particularly in my mid-section. After realizing I'd gained 9 lbs since lockdown, I got back on MFP and am hoping I can get this under control. Sometimes I feel like I have to eat close to nothing to maintain or keep the weight off. So frustrating.
Also, this non-stop desk job from home (seems like I work twice as much since the pandemic started) is not helping. My home office is in the kitchen. It was the only place available left in the house after the kids and husband overtook the other office-like areas to do work and school from home. I must resist the snacks! So glad to have a group of people to help in this journey.
I'd love some MFP friends for encouragement and accountability. Feel free to add me as a friend. We can do this!6 -
I hear you, I think you have to play a really long game, and just keep on at it. And take progress photos. Losing a kilo every couple of two months is a great result now in my books.1
