menopause and weight gain -- inevitable?

[Anonymous]

I'm healthy, fit, and in good shape. I had my last period in August, and now I'm finding that the things I used to do over the last few decades to lose a few pounds are no longer working. Things like: switching to lean protein and fruits/vegetables for a few days, or cutting down on sweets and/or dinner portions. Is this difficulty directly related to menopause, or age, or what? And is this my new reality? Anybody have any new strategies or words of wisdom?

[Anonymous]

Yeah...try to eat well, keep exercising, however- so it doesn't get worse. Enjoy life and accept what is.

[Anonymous]

I don't know what I'll do if I hit menopause and it starts to get even harder to lose weight.

I've talked to some older women recently who have been there/done that and they told me that they actually LOST weight once they hit menopause. The drop in estrogen (they think) made it easier for them to let go of the weight. When they were perimenopausal their bodies hung on to every calorie and normal weight loss methods barely worked on them. I am hoping/praying that is the case for me. Because peri is HARD.

Everyone is different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know what I'll do if I hit menopause and it starts to get even harder to lose weight.

I've talked to some older women recently who have been there/done that and they told me that they actually LOST weight once they hit menopause. The drop in estrogen (they think) made it easier for them to let go of the weight. When they were perimenopausal their bodies hung on to every calorie and normal weight loss methods barely worked on them. I am hoping/praying that is the case for me. Because peri is HARD.

Everyone is different.

Preach, sister! I hit perimenopause in October. Within 2 months I turned 48 and had gained 7lbs. Nothing is coming off. Two years ago I was 28lbs lighter. It's like my metabolism just came to a screeching halt and said, "F*ck you!" Last month I decided to stop focusing on the scale and go hard with weight lifting and strength. I have faith that while the number on the scale won't change, my body will. I've seen a noticeable difference in my shoulders and arms. The belly is the toughest. I also began tracking my food and shooting for much higher protein and much lower carbs.

I really hope this ends with menopause.

[Anonymous]

I basically stopped eating. Haven't lost a pound but haven't gained more than few pounds. I find it virtually impossible to lose weight.

[Anonymous]

I started peri-m 5 years ago and I've gained 20lbs, most of it in my mid-section. I hope to get over this beast soon, I can barely keep sane.

[Anonymous]

Let's see what happens to Angelina.

[Anonymous]

I've always had some issues with my midsection being heavy, but peri-m has made it much worse. I wonder if very clean eating -- no sugar, low fat, no refined or processed carbs, smallish portions, no alcohol would help.

But then I think: Hell, I'm 50 and probably only have another 35 year left on this planet. Do I really want to spend that time worrying about every damn thing I eat?

[Anonymous]

I'm ten years in its just so depressing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've always had some issues with my midsection being heavy, but peri-m has made it much worse. I wonder if very clean eating -- no sugar, low fat, no refined or processed carbs, smallish portions, no alcohol would help.

But then I think: Hell, I'm 50 and probably only have another 35 year left on this planet. Do I really want to spend that time worrying about every damn thing I eat?

This is sooo bad to think like that but I do it to. In fact, if you go into a restaurant there is often a group of older white haired ladies all chowing down on the fattiest fried food platters that the place serves. I always get a giggle when I see that because I know that my day for that is coming - "Give me the Fried Fish, Chips, Clams, Shrimp and hush puppies please. And, yes, I would like some rolls - thanks!"

[Anonymous]

I always think it's a good idea to have your thyroid checked, of you haven't already.

[Anonymous]

I don't know a single person who lost weight after menopause. I am having the same experience as you, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know a single person who lost weight after menopause. I am having the same experience as you, OP.

Oh, it's definitely possible. There were lots of old ladies at Weight Watchers who lost weight. My friend's mom (in her mid 60s) lost about 30lbs with WW a few years ago and has kept it off. She looks great.

[Anonymous]

thw WW women had success because they pitched the old way and learned new habits about nutrition. It's only doable for those willing to change their ways.

[Anonymous]

Not inevitable. My last period was 16 months ago, if anything I've lost weight. Also my hot flashes were really minor, not sure if that has anything to do with it?