what is happening to my midsection ?!

[Anonymous]

I'm 42, 5'3, size 6, lift weights 5 days a week (Peloton classes), my arms and legs look pretty toned. "Normal" diet cook my own meals mostly, probably similar to a Mediterranean diet, I don't go out of my way to avoid fat or sugar. Office job, pretty sedentary, getting about 5k steps a day.

Just in the last 6 months I'm noticing this ballooning out of my midsection. My waist went from 29 to 31 and I'm having a hard time fitting into my pants. I guess it's a combination of holiday-related overeating and middle age body changes?? But it's really throwing me for a loop and I'm feeling really powerless to arrest it.

Is there something I can do 1) immediately feel better, reduce bloat, like you know a juice cleanse type thing (not THAT I know...), 2) forever changes that are sustainable? I appreciate good food and I don't think I can cut sugar entirely or sustain anything drastic like that. Help!!

[Anonymous]

Welcome to perimenopause.

[Anonymous]

Up your protein and limit carbs, sugar and alcohol. Try to eat as little as possible every day. After a few months, it should start to make a difference.

[Anonymous]

You’re 42. This is what happens. You can reduce carbs and eat more protein and fruits/vegetables without giving up the food you love by focusing on breakfast and lunch. They tend to be boring, perfunctory meals anyway. Also try to move your body more during the day. It doesn’t sound like you’re getting much cardio. Ultimately your hormones are changing and it’s an uphill battle to keep your body the same. Focus on sustainable healthy living and accept that some amount of change is inevitable.

[Anonymous]

Fibroid? IBS? If all you're saying is true, you should schedule your physical and well woman appointments and discuss with a doctor. If it is just bloat, it should recede at times. If it is getting bigger despite your healthy habits, that is cause for investigation. Peri can bring about food sensitivities to gluten, cheese and other things, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm 42, 5'3, size 6, lift weights 5 days a week (Peloton classes), my arms and legs look pretty toned. "Normal" diet cook my own meals mostly, probably similar to a Mediterranean diet, I don't go out of my way to avoid fat or sugar. Office job, pretty sedentary, getting about 5k steps a day.

Just in the last 6 months I'm noticing this ballooning out of my midsection. My waist went from 29 to 31 and I'm having a hard time fitting into my pants. I guess it's a combination of holiday-related overeating and middle age body changes?? But it's really throwing me for a loop and I'm feeling really powerless to arrest it.

Is there something I can do 1) immediately feel better, reduce bloat, like you know a juice cleanse type thing (not THAT I know...), 2) forever changes that are sustainable? I appreciate good food and I don't think I can cut sugar entirely or sustain anything drastic like that. Help!!

This is the next thing to do at your age. Cut out simple carbs and sugar. I had the same problem. I eat a near paleo diet now. I’m 53 and I got back to a 27 waist

[Anonymous]

Perimenopause is happening to your midsection.

[Anonymous]

I'd see a doctor about the persistent bloating---it's likely normal, but sometimes it can be a sign of an underlying issue.

Aside from that, if it is just normal body changes, the best way to combat it is to eat less, eat clean, and focus your workouts on core strengthening.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You’re 42. This is what happens. You can reduce carbs and eat more protein and fruits/vegetables without giving up the food you love by focusing on breakfast and lunch. They tend to be boring, perfunctory meals anyway. Also try to move your body more during the day. It doesn’t sound like you’re getting much cardio. Ultimately your hormones are changing and it’s an uphill battle to keep your body the same. Focus on sustainable healthy living and accept that some amount of change is inevitable.

This is a good idea to diet at breakfast and lunch.

OP, if you're not already weight lifting, you should start. This doesn't cure the bloating, but more developed shoulders and back make your waist look smaller.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Welcome to perimenopause.

This! It’s brutal!

[Anonymous]

It is likely perimenopause but I would see a doctor regardless. Cancers like cervical cancer can first present as mid waist bloating.

[Anonymous]

I found intermittent fasting (not a juice cleanse - more sugar is NOT helpful) was a game changer for me re weight loss, belly and managing peri. Vids/books by Dr. Jason Fung or The Fasting Method podcast are good resources.

To maintain, I’d up daily steps.

[Anonymous]

OP - You are probably too young for "age appropriate" spinal compression but check your height. I was shocked.

[Anonymous]

You might want to see a dr bc that kind if extreme bloating is not just perimeno. It could colon cancer, fibroids, cysts, uterine or ovarian cancer too. 42 is pretty young.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You might want to see a dr bc that kind if extreme bloating is not just perimeno. It could colon cancer, fibroids, cysts, uterine or ovarian cancer too. 42 is pretty young.

This! You women are crazy blaming everything on menopause! Go to the freaking doctor if you see weird changes in your body!