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Menopause

Weight gain after menopause.

(84 Posts)
Breda Thu 02-Nov-17 19:27:20

I don’t know if you have tried to keep a record of everything that you eat & drink in a normal week or fortnight, and then going through it to see what you might be able to cut out or cut down on without feeling as if you are depriving yourself of what you enjoy. Also, always endeavour to have a decent breakfast with a protein base as it will help to keep you going through the day. Drinking lots of water might help too.

As I’m getting older I’m finding that there are lots of things that don’t agree with me e.g pasta, bread and wheat products. As a consequence I don’t eat these nowadays and this has helped keep my weight stable’ish!

Good luck!

Tegan2 Thu 02-Nov-17 16:44:18

Helen; I'm feeling the same at the moment. Have always managed to get on top of the weight gain, even though my weight yo yo's constantly, but this is the first year that it's gone up and stayed up. I, too have tried slimming clubs but they're not for me I'm afraid. Just a short amount of time overeating piles on the pounds and then it's a nightmare trying to get them off again.

NotTooOld Thu 02-Nov-17 16:29:33

Depressing, isn't it? I was always a size 12 until I had a hip op three years ago. After that I went up to a 14 and here I've stayed, despite eating healthily and taking regular exercise. DH often snacks in the evening and offers me bags of crisps or chocolate biscuits which I usually decline but would actually love to accept. I sometimes wonder if it is all worth it. Perhaps I should just sit and munch with him and enjoy myself.

thecatgrandma Thu 02-Nov-17 16:21:55

The Cambridge diet worked for me. It’s not cheap, but I found eliminating food completely for a few weeks and just using the products was much easier than counting all the syns or calories - you just become more obsessed with food. I felt really well and got the instant results I personally needed. I’ve maintained it now just by eating healthily. Well mostly. I hated the slimming world meetings which were not a lot more than a crèche with kids running everywhere and new mothers trying to lose baby weight after only about 6 weeks. But I think for each year you get older your metabolism slows and you have to accept you’ll never be a size 10 again. Being too skinny is aging anyway, and French women who eat little more than lettuce just look thin but miserable!

HelenTracy Thu 02-Nov-17 14:45:50

Thanks GrandmaMoira. I suppose I (literally) want my cake and to be able to eat it! I think I just have to work out which is most important to me. Being all slim and miserable about not being able to eat what I want, or being fat and miserable cos I'm not skinny anymore! Its a no win situation I'm afraid!

GrandmaMoira Thu 02-Nov-17 09:41:49

I was always skinny until mid 40s. I gained some then but managed to lose that by eating more carefully.
In my late 50s I gained loads partly due to giving up smoking and being to exhausted to do much after my stressful job. I managed to lose 3 stone in 6 months with Weight Watchers. They don't publicise your weight loss in the class unless you agree to it and don't mention gains. I stuck to the rules and didn't use my allowances for treats, except an occasional half a glass of red wine. I also increased my activity levels. I've put 7lb back on after 2 years. We can't eat like we did when young and stay slim.
So, you can lose weight in your 60s but you really have to cut down on everything and be very active.

HelenTracy Thu 02-Nov-17 09:11:32

Yes I know what you mean about the clapping and award system etc. Was like a praise assembly at primary school! ;-) I am pretty active and I walk miles with my dog and I cycle everywhere. I'm never still. I dont think my metabolism has slowed down I think its ground to a bloody halt! I did the couch to 5k plan quite sucessfully last year but didn't really lose much at all! So me being me, I just gave it up! I don't look too bad from the front its when I turn to the side and my profile resembles Humpty Dumpty! I do think that alcohol is my downfall. I never thought of liquid as being calorific in the past but I suppose a couple of bottles of red a week takes its toll. Hey ho. But yes Bluebell if I do find that magic plan I'll be sure to share! Thanks for replying. X

BlueBelle Wed 01-Nov-17 23:06:06

I was always a 12 in fact in my 20 s I lost so much weight through unhappiness that I was a feather and looked quite anorexic going down to 6 stone but after the menapause I went to a 14 + and go between large 14 and a small 16 I ve done SW never really got with the eating plan and hate all the clapping for losing half a pound and commiserations for gaining a half I did lose weight when I went but put it back on when I stopped going ... I know our metabolism slows down I also know I don’t walk so fast or as much now but I do really try to eats lots of fruit and veg and keep off the snacks This is no help to you I know but when you find the magic plan share it with me please

HelenTracy Wed 01-Nov-17 22:49:50

Hi. Does anyone have any tips as to how to lose weight post menopause. I've been a skinny minnie all my life! My nickname was Lampost and Twiggy when I was at school and I never went over a size 12, occasionally a 10, until I hit my mid 50s. Now I just feel like a bloody barrel these days and can't lose even a tiny amount of weight. Im a size 16 now and its really starting to get me down. I went to a Slimming World class, but walked out after the 'group' bit where everyone listens to how much weight you have lost or gained! The sharp intake of breath when someone admitted they had had a glass of wine or an ice cream was just too much! I doubt there is an easy route but I truly am eating less than I ever did, but putting weight on! Any advice? PS if anyone mentions not having a few glasses of red on a weekend I'll cry. ;-)

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Hello. This thread is a little old now. Take a look at our guide to menopause weight gain - with handy weight loss tips from gransnetters - for more up-to-date advice. GNHQ