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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

How does our metabolism slow down so much

31 replies

Flufffluff11 · 19/09/2026 20:07

I remember when I was a teenager. I would eat Crisps and chocolate every lunch, and pizza and chips every evening. It was a Fast food house which is a bit neglectful, but understandable at my mum was a struggling single mum, that was how it was.

I was so thin all through my teens

Now I'm early forties. I eat pretty healthily. I go to the gym three times a week, yet I'm overweight and it takes so long for me to lose a pound.

How does age slow down metabolism so much? Agh

OP posts:

Original poster

Flufffluff11 · 20/09/2026 15:37

Trumptontown · 20/09/2026 15:32

So do I. Weight training has helped. Can you afford a PT for a block of sessions? They’ll really help build your confidence in yourself and what you’re able to do.

Show quote history

Yeah I maybe could afford one for a while. That's a good idea thanks.

OP posts:

seahorsessky · 20/09/2026 15:45

It does vary for different people, but eating far less, and exercising far more, a lot of people put on lots of weight. But the lucky ones who don't might tell you that's not the case.
Another thing is you are more likely to have injuries/health issues that mess things up too

Catza · 20/09/2026 17:04

Flufffluff11 · 20/09/2026 15:22

Sorry to add more health information. I have a ruptured disc in my back so I am nervous of doing more weights than I am doing. Apparently the rupture is small but it stopped me from walking entirely one day. I couldn't get out of bed. I couldn't make one step in front of the other without agony. I had to use a Walker all day. Medication helped. Im afraid to lift anything too much since

Edited

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Book an appointment with a physio and tell them lifting weights is non negotiable and can they put a programme together which is safe and allows for progression. The issue is not the weight because as you get stronger, your body can handle more anyway but some movement patterns may aggravate your injury. Example - my friend tore a muscle off her rib lifting 50l water container. I routinely lift over 50kg overhead, so it wouldn't be a problem for me. The problem wasn't the load, it was lack of prior training for this load.

JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff · 20/09/2026 17:28

Flufffluff11 · 20/09/2026 15:06

Okay thanks for explaining. I understand. That is useful to know. So I need more muscle.

At the moment with weights i am am doing

3 times a week -
6 bicep curls both sides with a 3kg weight.
6 lunges each side holding 3kg weights in each hand.
6 squats holding a 3 kg weight

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Okay OP being really honest here

That's nowhere near enough to change body composition.

I honestly mean that helpfully.

I am not a physio or a personal trainer, but I do spend a lot of time in the gym and read a lot about sports science and nutrition.

If I were you, I'd start with a personal trainer. If you go to the gym, there will almost certainly be someone who you can book there. You just need them to do you a plan - if you are already going regularly you obviously have the discipline and motivation, so you don't need a weekly session to "keep you honest" :)

And do have a look at Stacey Sims, she's very good

JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff · 20/09/2026 17:29

Pinkfluffypencilcase · 20/09/2026 15:02

Is it as simple as building more muscle increases your metabolism?

No but it is a major factor

JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff · 20/09/2026 17:30

Catza · 20/09/2026 17:04

Show quote history

Okay sorry for mult posts but hadn't seen about your injury, then yes, see a physio

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