Over 40--Can I Lose Weight?

I'm 43 and YES! You will lose weight!! It just takes a lot of discipline and motivation. I've regained the 15 pounds that I lost three years ago, but it was all due to binge eating and eating too many cookies with my kids and other sweets. I love to bake and that's why I made the "cockroach" chocolate cake as my photo icon--to remind me that cakes are not good for me!!

Welcome to the community and congratulations on beginning your journey to a "new you" in 2012!!


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Losing weight over 40 is possible. My parents are both in mid 40's and are losing weight as we speak. Although working out helps, the most important part of losing weight is actually what you put into your body. Making sure you eat the right kinds of calories and fat calories, avoiding sugars, increasing protein.... it is all extremely important in jumpstarting your metabolism and that will make the weight peal off! Good luck.

Yes! Although it's different than when you were younger. I found cutting carbs, especially breads, pasta, potatoes, etc, and increasing my protein was a huge help. Less processed foods, more fresh fruits and vegetables. Lots of water.

You can do it. Take baby steps in changing your diet and make the changes lifestyle changes not a "diet."

Good luck!

Hi Kimber, YES it can be done. I am almost 58 and have lost as of today 13 lbs. (It does vary from time to time so don't get
discouraged.) I was always trying to lose but as much as I tried nothing until I came here. If its support you need, you can get it here. Everyone is so helpful and the main thing is that it does work. You can add me if you like and we can loose together. Good luck to you.
Karen

For sure! I started a good exercise routine many months ago and have been sticking to it. That was a big change for me; however, I didn't see the weight start to come off until I also got control of my nutrition. Not only calories, but the type of calories and the timing throughout the day.

I'm 50, will be 51 this year, and am averaging a loss of 2.9 lbs/week. My mom has lost 96 lbs and began her journey at age 69. It took her about a year and a half.

For sure! I started a good exercise routine many months ago and have been sticking to it. That was a big change for me; however, I didn't see the weight start to come off until I also got control of my nutrition. Not only calories, but the type of calories and the timing throughout the day.

Of course you can! I've seen people much older on MFP that have lost substantial weight.

I, personally, am 40 and within 4 months I lost 27 lbs (some prior to joining MFP). I didn't do anything other than eat healthy, exercise lots, and create a slight (200 or so) calorie deficit daily. It can be done.

Oops, my earlier post worked after all.

I am 44 and just joined MFP, but have full faith it will work. SO much encouragement, from the comfort of your own computer / smartphone. To answer your comment about counting calories being a lot of work: I thought so too (back in the years when I tried to do it) ... until MFP made it so much easier. The first week or two is a little bit of effort, but fun because almost any food you can think of is on here already (and you can add more that you like, by reading the labels and posting the info). After a week, most things you regularly eat are already on your diary, so you only have to check boxes to add for a meal. The site does all the math for you ... I LOVE IT! And what's really surprised me is how much motivation I get from the accountability of this site ... just knowing "I'll need to log that, and my numbers may go red!" makes me NOT EAT ... extra dressing, my daughter's unfinished cake, fill-in-the-blank. Good luck!!

WOW!!! That is fantastic!!! Any secrets you'd like to share??

Congrats!

Sure you can!!!! This site is great for keeping track of your calories but try to get some exercise in. I just took up Zumba a few weeks ago and am having a blast. I've lost five pounds in two weeks. It's a great work but fun at the same time. Anyone can do it --- Have a couple of 70 year old women in there that don't miss a beat! Good luck to you. Add me if you'd like.

I was wondering the same thing! I just had a baby three months ago and I'm 41. I am the heaviest I've ever been and I've been afraid I'm not going to "get my body back" at this point. I made it my New Year's resolution, though. I think having "friends" who are going through the same thing will help with my motivation. Add me?

I need to lose 63 pounds. :(:(

Oh yes it is very possible. Takes alot of hard work and determination. What I have found is exercise and eating right have to go side by side. You can't do one without the other. You can certainly do it. You will do it!!