In 40s and can't lose weight

[Anonymous]

what an annoying post. I am 5'5" and weigh 145, lost 15 pounds a few years back but cannot get ant lower. I hardly eat all week but then get so hungry on the weekends so it's a wash.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:what an annoying post. I am 5'5" and weigh 145, lost 15 pounds a few years back but cannot get ant lower. I hardly eat all week but then get so hungry on the weekends so it's a wash.

Hunger cues are off after 45. Track calories is a must. I know it’s depressing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:How are you tracking your calories? Unless you are weighing your food you may be consuming more calories than you think. Especially if you are eating back calories from exercise.

The thing thats worked the best for me post turning 40 was doing a combination of IF and counting macros and lifting heavy weights. When I did that it seemed the weight just melted off and I loved the way I looked. Because I was focused on getting enough protein but allowing a moderate amount of carbs I never felt miserable (but did still feel a little hungry at times). Eventually it became hard to keep up because I basically had to have no social life. I had to be solely focused on eating healthy and counting calories at all times.

I am not as strict now and am okay with carrying an extra 5-7 lbs. I still like the way I look and can enjoy the foods I like in moderation and have my wine.

I have been tracking calories for 15 years so I am not a newb. I def gained 20lb on 1600/day.
Ugh I am already miserable with the 1600, constant hunger and insomnia.

Maybe a hormonal issue then. Get your bloodwork checked.

PP thanks for saving my life. I checked and got diagnosed with a genetic bad high cholesterol, I am on meds now.

I also updated my exercise by going from 1 strength + 3 dance class to 4 strength + 10k a day + 2 dance class. For diet, I went from 1400k to 900k and lost a few lbs in 2 weeks.

It sounds like certain ppl indeed need less calories. Maybe the 1600 study was done in men?

How do you have any energy for strength training on 900 calories? I hope you are at least keeping your protein super high and supplementing with at least a good multivitamin. 1600 would not be necessarily for men only. I currently cut at 1800 with two days at 1200 and that makes me lose about 1.5lbs of fat a week which is about as drastic as I can go at my weight and body fat level without risking muscle loss and killing somebody because I am hangry. I am planning to increase to 2000 in a few weeks and that should still be a deficit for me.

Umm I carry the energy as fat on myself? My energy is surprisingly good.

I just went back to your original post and realized that you are an inch taller and the same exact weight as me and I am actually already quite lean. My cut is really just for a few vanity pounds to be shredded for the summer and I expect to be there once I am around 138. I expect to have visible abs at that point. How do you carry so much fat at your stats? Do you have a very small frame?

DP. I have similar stats to OP and a pretty high body fat percentage. Also Asian. But I think it’s an issue that’s harder to solve using a general internet platform than using a trainer in real life. It takes different people different effort to gain muscle/lose fat.

[Anonymous]

You’ll lose weight at 900 calories but you’ll also lose your muscle if one of your goals is to get strong. Start reading and listening to podcasts about premenopause and the changes we have to make it our 40s. Dr. Stacy sims has been on a ton of podcasts, most recently on Mel Robbin’s. It’s not what you think and you don’t need to starve yourself. Also check out how to balance your glucose to aid in fat loss. Glucose Goddess on Instagram has very easy to follow ideas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You’ll lose weight at 900 calories but you’ll also lose your muscle if one of your goals is to get strong. Start reading and listening to podcasts about premenopause and the changes we have to make it our 40s. Dr. Stacy sims has been on a ton of podcasts, most recently on Mel Robbin’s. It’s not what you think and you don’t need to starve yourself. Also check out how to balance your glucose to aid in fat loss. Glucose Goddess on Instagram has very easy to follow ideas.

My grandma and my mom both ate 600-900 calories for their senior years. Grandma was self sufficient at 89. Muscle is really marketing talking points to get you to spend money on trainers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You’ll lose weight at 900 calories but you’ll also lose your muscle if one of your goals is to get strong. Start reading and listening to podcasts about premenopause and the changes we have to make it our 40s. Dr. Stacy sims has been on a ton of podcasts, most recently on Mel Robbin’s. It’s not what you think and you don’t need to starve yourself. Also check out how to balance your glucose to aid in fat loss. Glucose Goddess on Instagram has very easy to follow ideas.

My grandma and my mom both ate 600-900 calories for their senior years. Grandma was self sufficient at 89. Muscle is really marketing talking points to get you to spend money on trainers.

41 isn’t senior years. Who cares if people in their 40s want to build muscle? I don’t want to be a frail old person. Building muscle can only benefit us and it can be done without trainers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You’ll lose weight at 900 calories but you’ll also lose your muscle if one of your goals is to get strong. Start reading and listening to podcasts about premenopause and the changes we have to make it our 40s. Dr. Stacy sims has been on a ton of podcasts, most recently on Mel Robbin’s. It’s not what you think and you don’t need to starve yourself. Also check out how to balance your glucose to aid in fat loss. Glucose Goddess on Instagram has very easy to follow ideas.

My grandma and my mom both ate 600-900 calories for their senior years. Grandma was self sufficient at 89. Muscle is really marketing talking points to get you to spend money on trainers.

Great! My grandmothers didn’t eat much protein and definitely didn’t lift. They were frail and in bad health at the end of their life. Most of the elderly that I’ve met are very frail even if they live on their own.

[Anonymous]

OP. I'm 5'6" and 125lb and I'm trying to gain weight and build muscle. Think deeply about why you'd like to lose weight. I'd focus on getting fitter. You have given birth to 3 kids and exercise more than most people. I'd appreciate the body for all that its allowing you to do. Sure, eat healthy whole foods. Track macros. Set new fitness goals. Focus on them rather than a random weight number. Dress to your body and you'll look great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You’ll lose weight at 900 calories but you’ll also lose your muscle if one of your goals is to get strong. Start reading and listening to podcasts about premenopause and the changes we have to make it our 40s. Dr. Stacy sims has been on a ton of podcasts, most recently on Mel Robbin’s. It’s not what you think and you don’t need to starve yourself. Also check out how to balance your glucose to aid in fat loss. Glucose Goddess on Instagram has very easy to follow ideas.

My grandma and my mom both ate 600-900 calories for their senior years. Grandma was self sufficient at 89. Muscle is really marketing talking points to get you to spend money on trainers.

Great! My grandmothers didn’t eat much protein and definitely didn’t lift. They were frail and in bad health at the end of their life. Most of the elderly that I’ve met are very frail even if they live on their own.

My grandma ate meat twice a year and lived independently until 89. My grandpa ate meat twice a year and died of heart attack at 62. Genetics >>> all.

Feel free to pursue strength training hobbies when you are 40, but don’t count on it to make you live forever. Make you look pretty? Sure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You’ll lose weight at 900 calories but you’ll also lose your muscle if one of your goals is to get strong. Start reading and listening to podcasts about premenopause and the changes we have to make it our 40s. Dr. Stacy sims has been on a ton of podcasts, most recently on Mel Robbin’s. It’s not what you think and you don’t need to starve yourself. Also check out how to balance your glucose to aid in fat loss. Glucose Goddess on Instagram has very easy to follow ideas.

My grandma and my mom both ate 600-900 calories for their senior years. Grandma was self sufficient at 89. Muscle is really marketing talking points to get you to spend money on trainers.

Great! My grandmothers didn’t eat much protein and definitely didn’t lift. They were frail and in bad health at the end of their life. Most of the elderly that I’ve met are very frail even if they live on their own.

My grandma ate meat twice a year and lived independently until 89. My grandpa ate meat twice a year and died of heart attack at 62. Genetics >>> all.

Feel free to pursue strength training hobbies when you are 40, but don’t count on it to make you live forever. Make you look pretty? Sure.

Who wants to live forever?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, I was in your exact boat, except a couple of years older (47). But I, similar to you, was 123 pounds at my wedding 20+ years ago and in the low- to mid-130s through my 30s. After the birth of my third child in my early 40s, I had trouble losing the baby weight, and then COVID lockdown didn't help.

I started GLP-1 on January 4 when I was 145 pounds, also at 5'7. I understand that I was not overweight, but I was heavier than I wanted to be. None of my pants fit. My belly was hanging over my belt. I just felt bad about myself.

I have lost 17 pounds and feel wonderful. Everything fits me again. I just came back from a vacation and it was the first time in years where I didn't feel self-conscious in my bathing suit. I can almost see abs! DH keeps telling me I look unbelievable. I am so happy I did this.

The GLP-1 (tirzepatide) made it so that I didn't think about food all the time and felt much less hungry. Eating filled me up quickly and the feeling of fullness lasted many hours. So it allowed me to have a calorie deficit without suffering.

I'd like to lose a couple of more pounds and then I don't know what my path will be. I am loathe to stop this medication and possibly return to being hungry all the time and trying to fight my cravings. But maybe, now returned to my happy weight, my motivation will be enough to keep me here. If not, I'm fine with continuing the drug.

How did you get glp1 (tirzeptide) at 145 lbs? My doctor refused as my bmi was 25. I have been trying to lose 20 lbs forever and nothing my is working

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP. I'm 5'6" and 125lb and I'm trying to gain weight and build muscle. Think deeply about why you'd like to lose weight. I'd focus on getting fitter. You have given birth to 3 kids and exercise more than most people. I'd appreciate the body for all that its allowing you to do. Sure, eat healthy whole foods. Track macros. Set new fitness goals. Focus on them rather than a random weight number. Dress to your body and you'll look great.

This is great advice!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I was in your exact boat, except a couple of years older (47). But I, similar to you, was 123 pounds at my wedding 20+ years ago and in the low- to mid-130s through my 30s. After the birth of my third child in my early 40s, I had trouble losing the baby weight, and then COVID lockdown didn't help.

I started GLP-1 on January 4 when I was 145 pounds, also at 5'7. I understand that I was not overweight, but I was heavier than I wanted to be. None of my pants fit. My belly was hanging over my belt. I just felt bad about myself.

I have lost 17 pounds and feel wonderful. Everything fits me again. I just came back from a vacation and it was the first time in years where I didn't feel self-conscious in my bathing suit. I can almost see abs! DH keeps telling me I look unbelievable. I am so happy I did this.

The GLP-1 (tirzepatide) made it so that I didn't think about food all the time and felt much less hungry. Eating filled me up quickly and the feeling of fullness lasted many hours. So it allowed me to have a calorie deficit without suffering.

I'd like to lose a couple of more pounds and then I don't know what my path will be. I am loathe to stop this medication and possibly return to being hungry all the time and trying to fight my cravings. But maybe, now returned to my happy weight, my motivation will be enough to keep me here. If not, I'm fine with continuing the drug.

How did you get glp1 (tirzeptide) at 145 lbs? My doctor refused as my bmi was 25. I have been trying to lose 20 lbs forever and nothing my is working

I went to a Medspa that aggressively advertised semaglutide. Had a brief consultation and weigh in. I told them I was 2 inches shorter than I am and I wore my shoes, jeans and heavy coat and weighed in at 150. That's BMI of 25 and they didn't bat an eye. I was surprised and asked them if they have BMI requirements and they said they don't prescribe to anyone with BMI below 19. After one month at the spa on tirzepatide (I chose tirz over sema even though the price was higher because the spa lady told me it's slightly more effective and has fewer side effects), I switched to an online pharmacy. I was 5'7 and just under 140 at that point; I wrote that I was 180. I had to upload my driver's license which clearly shows I'm not 180, but I was prescribed tirz anyway. If you want it, you can get it.

It has truly changed my life. My thoughts don't revolve around food or feeling disgusted with myself about what I ate. As people have written here, remaining thin and dealing with hunger gets harder as you get older - for me, it was an exhausting slog that dominated nearly every moment. The power is really that it dampens hunger. I'm still hungry, but I get full much faster now and stay full for much longer. I can eat a light dinner at 6 pm and feel zero hunger when I go to bed at 11. I can eat a turkey sandwich and an apple at work and not be starving when I leave for the night. I still have occasional cravings for junk food, but if I cave in and stop at Dairy Queen, I can eat half of my mini blizzard and feel stuffed. Mostly, I'm making decisions about what to eat based on nutrition. I feel happier with what I see in the mirror. I am going to the gym twice as often as I used to. I'm now 124 lbs and want to stop losing, but I don't want to stop this med because it's brought me such peace about food. I'm currently on less than half of the starting dose (1 mg per week) and I still have appetite suppression, but I also haven't lost anything in the past two weeks, so maybe this is my maintenance dose. I'm going to taper to .5 and see what happens.

The way I was living before - a constant cycle of binging and restricting - was really hard and I always felt like crap. I started the med thinking I would use it until I reached my goal weight and then stop, but I love the way I feel on it so much that I can definitely see taking it indefinitely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, I was in your exact boat, except a couple of years older (47). But I, similar to you, was 123 pounds at my wedding 20+ years ago and in the low- to mid-130s through my 30s. After the birth of my third child in my early 40s, I had trouble losing the baby weight, and then COVID lockdown didn't help.

I started GLP-1 on January 4 when I was 145 pounds, also at 5'7. I understand that I was not overweight, but I was heavier than I wanted to be. None of my pants fit. My belly was hanging over my belt. I just felt bad about myself.

I have lost 17 pounds and feel wonderful. Everything fits me again. I just came back from a vacation and it was the first time in years where I didn't feel self-conscious in my bathing suit. I can almost see abs! DH keeps telling me I look unbelievable. I am so happy I did this.

The GLP-1 (tirzepatide) made it so that I didn't think about food all the time and felt much less hungry. Eating filled me up quickly and the feeling of fullness lasted many hours. So it allowed me to have a calorie deficit without suffering.

I'd like to lose a couple of more pounds and then I don't know what my path will be. I am loathe to stop this medication and possibly return to being hungry all the time and trying to fight my cravings. But maybe, now returned to my happy weight, my motivation will be enough to keep me here. If not, I'm fine with continuing the drug.

How did you get glp1 (tirzeptide) at 145 lbs? My doctor refused as my bmi was 25. I have been trying to lose 20 lbs forever and nothing my is working

I went to a Medspa that aggressively advertised semaglutide. Had a brief consultation and weigh in. I told them I was 2 inches shorter than I am and I wore my shoes, jeans and heavy coat and weighed in at 150. That's BMI of 25 and they didn't bat an eye. I was surprised and asked them if they have BMI requirements and they said they don't prescribe to anyone with BMI below 19. After one month at the spa on tirzepatide (I chose tirz over sema even though the price was higher because the spa lady told me it's slightly more effective and has fewer side effects), I switched to an online pharmacy. I was 5'7 and just under 140 at that point; I wrote that I was 180. I had to upload my driver's license which clearly shows I'm not 180, but I was prescribed tirz anyway. If you want it, you can get it.

It has truly changed my life. My thoughts don't revolve around food or feeling disgusted with myself about what I ate. As people have written here, remaining thin and dealing with hunger gets harder as you get older - for me, it was an exhausting slog that dominated nearly every moment. The power is really that it dampens hunger. I'm still hungry, but I get full much faster now and stay full for much longer. I can eat a light dinner at 6 pm and feel zero hunger when I go to bed at 11. I can eat a turkey sandwich and an apple at work and not be starving when I leave for the night. I still have occasional cravings for junk food, but if I cave in and stop at Dairy Queen, I can eat half of my mini blizzard and feel stuffed. Mostly, I'm making decisions about what to eat based on nutrition. I feel happier with what I see in the mirror. I am going to the gym twice as often as I used to. I'm now 124 lbs and want to stop losing, but I don't want to stop this med because it's brought me such peace about food. I'm currently on less than half of the starting dose (1 mg per week) and I still have appetite suppression, but I also haven't lost anything in the past two weeks, so maybe this is my maintenance dose. I'm going to taper to .5 and see what happens.

The way I was living before - a constant cycle of binging and restricting - was really hard and I always felt like crap. I started the med thinking I would use it until I reached my goal weight and then stop, but I love the way I feel on it so much that I can definitely see taking it indefinitely.

Which medspa? Where? And how much did it cost?