How do I get my waist back?

[AnonymousBleep]

I’m hoping some fitness guru MNers can help me solve the mystery of my disappearing waistline! I’m 50 and going through menopause. I’ve always been relatively slim - size 10, 5 foot 7, around 9 and a half to 10 stone - but recently my waist has disappeared! I ln the last few months I’ve been calorie counting, upping exercise and even cutting down massively on my beloved wine. But my waist is still just not there! I go to the gym three or four times a week, do 20 mins cardio then 20 mins either general strength or weights focusing on legs, arms, core etc. I avoid UPFs and eat mainly vegan. What do I need to change to get a waist again or do I just resign myself to its loss?!

When you say you do cardio, what is it - cross trainer/bike/walking uphill? I find the only cardio that helps get rid of belly fat is one where both feet are off the ground at the same time ie. running. If I can't feel my fat jiggle then then the exercise isn't working for me.

Lifting heavy will help you in so many ways so please don't give up on that, it just won't shift the belly fat. Pilates will give you an amazing tight, high butt and strong core but yes, you need to cut out the sugary cereal before you'll see a difference in your abs and waist.

Hula hooping. Start on a light hoop and work up to 20 minutes a day, then get a heavier hoop. Be prepared for it to hurt at first, but fabulous for definition and lots of fun!

That's my understanding, too.
Where your body stores fat is partly hormonal, partly genetic.
Body shape changes are normal as we get older (males or females).
Whether you want to be normal, is another question.