50+ weight loss - can it happen?

[Tagetes]

The dreaded middle-aged spread has started to take hold. Is it inevitable or can I do something about it without hugely changing my lifestyle? I eat healthily most of the time (or perhaps 'well' would be a better description - alcohol and carbs are a feature as well as plenty of veg) and I've never been one for exercise beyond walking - which is limited at the moment while a medical condition is being investigated. I did successfully lose a stone a few years back using MFP but it's all back again and more. I hate the fact my waist is disappearing and my thighs look like tree trunks. Any success stories from older people to motivate me?

[pinkieandperkie]

Watching with interest!

[60schild]

I am 49 and have lost 2 1/2 stone since April. I am 2lb away from a healthy BMI. I have used MFP and walk an average 11,000 steps Mon - Fri and 20,000 Sat and Sun. It's been easier than I thought.

[Tagetes]

bump - any more inspiring stories?

[PaintedDrivesAndPolishedGrass]

What's MFP please, I'm in the same boat OP

[darreldixonishot]

Afraid not! I was must coming to commiserate! I'm 49, exercising 4 times a week, cut my wine out during the week, cut down on carbs & not eaten a sweet for months & haven't lost an ounce!

[MachiKoro]

My Fitness Pal

[PurpleWithRed]

Dusted off the mirror in January to see if there was anywhere else to tuck my muffin middle into. Had That Moment; got a Fitbit and redid c25k combined with Fitbit calorie counting. Lost a stone and a half, bmi down from 26 to 22, size down from squeezed into 12 to Comfortable looking-good 8/10.

I'm 58.

It did take focus, and specially on portion control and a big cutdown on booze. But I do feel absolutely fantastic and very very smug.

[cherrytree63]

Definitely possible! I've always been a stone or so overweight, but it was creeping up and up. I was forever starting a diet, losing a couple of pounds and then relaxing my eating and gaining it back. April last year I was shocked to see I was over 12 stone (I'm 5'3) and a size 16.
I'm now 53, size 10 and weigh just under 9 stone. I don't know what clicked with me, but it really was simple! I gave up sugar and processed food, and followed the Paul Mackenna mantra of " only eat when you're hungry, and stop when you're full".
I walked every day and did some Davina McCall 7 minute workouts 2 or 3 times a week.
I have several health issues so I understand how hard it can be, but you can achieve it!

[Fitterbysixty]

I am 53 and have lost 16 pounds since mid May so yes, it can be done even with dodgy knees. Something has to change though, only you can decide what changes to your current lifestyle you are prepared to stick to.

What is working for me is MyFitnessPal and a fitness tracker. At the moment walking is about the only thing I'm good for, I'd like to be a runner but I worry about my knees. The new me has cut out biscuits, snacks, cheese and the second glass of wine in an evening but that's fine because the new me no longer has pain in the left knee going up stairs or under the left (flat) foot.