Is it just me or is it down to my age?

[soupdragon321]

So,, I'm a fairly fit individual. Have done yoga and pilates four times a week for nearly ten years. Have been running 5k 3-4 times a week for over eight months. And yet, I have not lost a single lb or inch from my waistline. I am getting seriously pissed off and I can only think that this is simply down to the fact that at 46, my body is just not going to do what I want it to because it's in early menopause and the 'thickening' of the waist is a real thing! Don't we women have enough shit to deal with! My weight has gradually increased over the past year to over 7lbs more it previously was. It seems so bloody unfair that despite all the exercise and healthy eating, I'm never going to have the body I'd like. Yes, maybe all the exercise is preventing me from being even BIGGER at my current age then i would be if I did nothing, (yeah, great, work your ass off just to stay the same which is more than you were originally! How depressing!!) but it feels that once you're over 40, unless you are genetically blessed, or choose to literally starve yourself (and life is far too short for that), then you just have to suck it up. ARGH!!! Rant over, just wanting to see if anyone else feels the same.

[Hadalifeonce]

Thickening of the waist is very real, annoyingly. I one had a 3 month 1 to 1 gym thing as a gift. I didn't loose a single pound, but found that my clothes fitted me better and looked better, as my body toned up. So don't be too disheartened. I hardly ever weigh myself now, just go by the way my clothes fit.

[fishonabicycle]

Only way to lose weight is to eat less calories unfortunately! You would have to exercise like an athlete to lose weight that way.

[GodolphianArabian]

I doubt very much that the pilates or yoga will do anything for weight loss. The running is probably just 1200 calories. So not actually that much really. Chances are you eat more to compensate anyway. I'd take another look at your diet.

[Nandocushion]

Similar age, but I run 30-40k a week. Yoga and pilates feel nice and tone you but won't reduce your weight. The saying is that you can't outrun a bad diet, and while you probably don't have a 'bad' diet, maybe you could lose something from it? I have been running since I was in my early 20s, but it's only now (in my late 40s) that I've managed decent weight loss, as I've given up sugar and starchy carbs. Someone else might give up wheat, or dairy, or seconds, or sweets or whatever it is that they overdo. But it's the diet that will make the real difference.

[Nandocushion]

But back to your OP, YES to the weight piling on too easily at this age. This is why I gave up the extras - to try to lose something before the middle age tummy sets in, as I've heard it gets much worse in a few years. It's totally unfair. However, my husband is younger by several years and always argued that weight gain and injuries were down to the basic personal failings of those who suffered them. In the few years since he's turned 40, I am thrilled to report that those things have now started to afflict him regularly, and he has no clever explanation as to why, nor as to why he can't just get rid of them easily. Karma, you are a queen.

[Eattothebeat]

It doesn't have to be like that though. I'm older than you and have dropped over a stone in the last year. Do you mind me asking what you weigh and what you normally eat in a day? Also I agree with other poster who said that yoga and pilates are great for you but won't aid weight loss. Cardio and heavy weights are your best bet for that.

[Dontgiveamonkeys1350]

I’m 43. And have nearly lost two stone. I can’t do much exercise as I have more medical problems and pain than I can even write here. But I did it by counting calories. One thing I have learnt is that there is more calories in things than u think. And you eat more than you realise.

Have u done a food diary? Maybe do that and count ur calories for a while and see what your actually eating.

[Babygrey7]

Yeah, I am 47 and am putting in a lot of effort....to stay the same weight

I still have a slight belly/muffin top but then, I ate a brownie today and a donut yesterday

I just cannot commit to eating 100% healthy, so I accept the consequence of that....

Eating healthy 80% of the time, and exercising regularly, and being a healthy weight still got me positive comments from my GP (about health, not looks )

We are doing better than lots of people, is that any consolation?

And being fit has its own rewards

I now focus on increasing fitness rather than thin-ness.

[Sarcelle]

I am 53 and have lost 2 stone in the last couple of years (whilst going through the menopause) and my waist came back. Did it by sticking to two meals a day and walking at least 10k steps. Waist is back. Can be done.

I took the long term approach. I did it because I wanted to be healthier for the next stage of life so slow weightloss was fine for me. Added bonus is that my face did not collapse which is what normally happened when going on a diet. Also, the slowness meant that this way of eating is now ingrained.

I still have the occasional treat, and regular wine, but my weight is stable. I want to lose another 10 pounds, I expect that will slowly come off too.