Has anyone ever properly got rid of tummy fat in their 40s? Please share tips!

[JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff]

I am not overweight by most people's standards- my BMI is around 23 atm, I eat "clean" and don't drink much, and go to gym around 3-4 times a week plus yoga most days at home. I lift weights and do core work and whilst not an athlete, I am fairly strong, with defined upper body, good posture and muscly legs.

But I have a bit of a wobbly tummy! It's not dreadful but visible when I am naked.

It's like this one bit of me didn't get the memo. Is anyone else like this? I have been wondering about introducing period fasts..... any tips from anyone??

I’ve had two c sections and accepted now I’ll always have the APRON!! Even though I’m lighter than pre baby now the concentration of fat is more in the middle than previously :(

This is a really good book. And explains why fasting for women (who exercise regularly) is not the best idea. For middle aged pre-diabetic men yes. It’s not a one size fits all.

Upping protein is really important and she argues that if you are fasting and not eating enough you will not hit your protein targets needed for women at this age. And also fasting has an impact on hormones and metabolism (not in a good way).

As Melissa explains for women in our 40s and beyond we need to lift heavy and 4-5× a week while cutting back on cardio and increasing protein. Protein builds muscle and lean body mass (muscle) burns fat even when we are resting.

If you watch her video she talks about everything @Delatron mentions. She lost all her extra stomach fat.

Yes @Queenmaker that’s what is also discussed in the book. We need to lift really heavy weights (that you can’t do any more than 3-7 reps!).

Plus sprint intervals (not necessarily running - can be on a bike). Lots of cardio is not recommended really. (I ignore this part as I’m a runner so I accept I’d have a better body if I switched out running with more weight sessions!)

I disagree with 3 meals a day for a 45+ menopausal woman. Intermittent fasting is needed - a big long time between dinner one day and the first meal of the next day. Total 2 meals, the first containing protein such as egg. An expert on weight loss for menopausal women is Dr Becky Gillaspy on YouTube. Losing weight in menopause is just not the same as losing weight before that, or as a man. It just isn't. Lack of oestrogen sends fat to the belly. Belly fat causes insulin resistance. It's a vicious cycle and it is awful to be in its grip. Especially when menopause is causing a load of other problems - insomnia, hot flushes/anxiety/panic and many, many more.

You aren't wrong for men, but women's bodies respond differently to diet and exercise.

One key difference is that cutting calories alone won't make women lose weight because our metabolisms will drop to match unless we exercise.

Particularly when they've never had a baby or a c-section and have never been subject to the female hormonal cycles.

I used to be a bit obsessed about my body. Was size 10, totally flat stomach, toned arms, BMI 20 etc. Never felt good enough.

Then I had cancer and faced dying and leaving my kids. Now I seek to enjoy life in a much more balanced way. I genuinely don't care if my tummy is a bit wobbly now or my thighs rub. I'm still slim and strong. But more importantly I'm healthy and I want to enjoy life. Not count steps or calories or get up at 6am to go to the gym.

I'm not saying anyone is wrong for doing these things. Just that perhaps some people need a healthier perspective. Cancer helped me get that.

I know. I used to feel the same. Now I can't imagine eating during work..I'd need a nap! I feel much sharper fasted and can even prep and cook the family's breakfasts and lunches and it doesn't bother me at all.

@JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff I fast from 6pm to 9am every night. I feel good for it but sadly it's done nothing for my tummy fat. I've resigned myself to the fact that 2 pregnancies and now menopause = tummy fat that's now with me for life!

I don't think my belly fat will shift for anything! I lost a great deal of weight through stress 4 years ago, and even when the rest of me was painfully thin, my little belly was still there. It's the price you pay for 3 abdominal operations.

More energy, clearer head, no slumps after lunch at work, maintained slow & steady weight loss, maintained and gained muscle, less colds/flu/bugs.
The list of positives are endless for me. I feel like I have found the answer and I have tried every diet going over the years.

Have you heard the 6th commandment though?

"Thou shall not mansplain to women, when thou hath not had a C Section"

If you haven’t heard it already, this podcast about fat composition in women’s bodies as we age was fascinating! Would really recommend it.
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/zoe-science-nutrition/id1611216298?i=1000637038881

Although, spoiler alert, there’s not much do (behind what you already are op) to change it.

Following

I’ve been doing body pump for 7 months, consistently with other cardio/exercise including core - total 3-4 times a week, I eat very healthily - and my tummy is finally starting to lose the wobbly look. It is a very slow process but I’m starting to realise its consistency that is key to getting a toned tummy. My skin is starting to sag a bit now but tbh I don’t mind it as it means the fat and wobblyness is going!

With all respect, being male makes an enormous difference to the way your body responds to being 39.

Fasting doesn't work for everyone. I tried it: migraines, migraines, dizziness, nausea, migraines, IBS flare-ups giving agonising cramps, bingeing during my eating hours (I have BED and naively thought that fasting would help with it), and more migraines. Did I mention migraines that felt like a clawhammer to one eye socket for hours at a time?

After three c sections, getting down to my ideal weight, eating well and exercising - but still having a loose, ugly tummy (and diastisis recti) I had a tummy tuck and muscle repair. Best thing I've ever done

@Queenmaker
Yep - she's right. Basically bodybuilding routine - high protein, sufficient calories, heavy training consistently. It works no doubt from me.
Even so, as I said, my lower abs are not visible. That's only by a significant cut for me and I'm not personally interested trying to maintain a body fat that low - it's too much hard work

I'm 39, male, ripped and do 20mins intense exercise a day but I'm very careful with food. You just need consistency and it will come.

Aw, mate. Tell us about what perimenopause did to your body.

Sounds fun

Sure.

Honestly I wish I knew the answer to this! I’m mid 40s, with a never fully closed up distastis recti, and even though I’m scrawny I still have a somewhat wobbly stomach! I’m clinically underweight due to health issues, which also mean I can’t exercise, BMI of 17, but still have a tummy. It’s like that’s where what little weight I have left has gone, nothing anywhere else, all just concentrated there. I’m assuming it’s peri as was never like this before. Just one of many reasons I wish I could take HRT.