We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Over 50 - Menopause - Hard to lose!

skimbro000
skimbro000 Posts: 10
edited September 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I don't post often - but wondered if anyone else has experienced this. Since entering menopause (at age 45) and especially after turning 50, I have such a hard time losing weight. It seems like if I just smell food, I gain weight. I know our metabolism slows down - but geezzz - this is horrible. My waist is GONE - I am eating right (most of the time) ,and exercising - seeing a little progress - but not like I when I was 30. Anyone with suggestions, ideas?

Replies

  • Be patient!!!! It will come off with the right diet and exercise...I did find the exercise( cardio) to help me the very most and it dropped off.
  • mojomcgee
    mojomcgee Posts: 50
    I'm 49 and am experiencing the same thing. My 51 year old husband has lost more weight than me without even trying!!! I can only admit that I don't drop any weight unless I eat way under my allotted 1200 calories (I mean like 1000 or less) for several consecutive days (like a week) then I feel starved and I go back to my 1200 where I stay until I do it again. The 1200 only seems to stop me from gaining but doesn't help me lose. Also if I can eat healthier in the day and skip eating after 7 it really helps but I find that very difficult with our schedules. And I never eat the extra calories I earn from exercising - if I do I don't drop the weight. I'm probably not doing it right but that seems to be what I need to do to get my body to cooperate with me and drop the pounds. Good luck.
  • barbiecat
    barbiecat Posts: 17,385 Member
    :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

    get a pedometer or a HRM, use it faithfully, and increase your exercise at lot.
    :bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile:

    and drink a ton of water:drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker: :drinker:
  • Minerva
    Minerva Posts: 79 Member
    I'm 49 and am experiencing the same thing. My 51 year old husband has lost more weight than me without even trying!!! I can only admit that I don't drop any weight unless I eat way under my allotted 1200 calories (I mean like 1000 or less) for several consecutive days (like a week) then I feel starved and I go back to my 1200 where I stay until I do it again. The 1200 only seems to stop me from gaining but doesn't help me lose. Also if I can eat healthier in the day and skip eating after 7 it really helps but I find that very difficult with our schedules. And I never eat the extra calories I earn from exercising - if I do I don't drop the weight. I'm probably not doing it right but that seems to be what I need to do to get my body to cooperate with me and drop the pounds. Good luck.

    I'm 51 and started menopause at 45. I gained 20 from menopause and another 30 when I quit smoking the next year. I lost 25 pounds 3 years ago but still have 50 to go to get to where I want to be.

    My weight loss has ground to a halt these past 3 years even though I have upped my exercise to what I would not have believed possible 3 years ago. I now run 4-6 miles MWF's, am a 1st degree Black Belt in TaeKwon-Do and am working toward my 2nd degree. I am at the dojang at least 3x week either attending class or teaching a class.

    BUT- I have found that she is right. I will only lose weight if I drop to 1000 calories or less. I can do it in spurts like she mentioned and I will drop 9 pounds/gain back 5 but keep the net loss of 4. Then I do it again. This way I am able to lose some and keep it off. I have gotten to the point where I don't really care what I have to do to get it off as long as it does.
  • havingitall
    havingitall Posts: 3,728 Member
    I started menopause 2 years ago after a full hysterectomy. It was then that I put my focus on being more healthy so I have lost weight since then. It is possible to lose weight with the right amount of healthy food and exercise
  • debback56
    debback56 Posts: 2 Member
    I am right there with you. I am 53 and the things that worked for me to lose weight at 30 and even at 40 are not working at 50. Two things I know I need to do though is to exercise more and drink more water. I am fine drinking water at home, but hate drinking it at work, and I spend 9-10 hours a day at work. Yuck. It is very frustrating though. The metabolism has definitely changed, we just have to find the right combination to get it going again. I have lost 9 pounds so far, and didn't gain over the holidays, so at least that is good. I seem to be stuck at the 10 pound mark and need to get over that hump so I can lose another 50.
  • ontheedge50
    ontheedge50 Posts: 31 Member
    It's so frustrating! But nice to know I'm not alone. I'll be 51 this year and will celebrate my second anniversary of being a non smoker in March!! I've been diagnosed with thyroid disease and I've gained 25 pounds in the last couple of years. It's all I can to hold it there. I did loose a couple of pounds last spring but have since put them back on. It use to be so easy. Smoke more eat less and boom there goes 5 pounds. hahaha If any of you find the magic step that works, please share!!
This discussion has been closed.