Meno belly weight gain - fasting?

[sillyuniforms]

I've gained 1/2 stone round my middle despite eating less. Awful. Thought it was worse with HRT but I've reduced dose and hasn't made a difference. I keep seeing about fasting - has anyone tried this?

Following with interest. Not on HRT but I've suddenly gained a half stone belly and my boobs have got even bigger.

Following too. Can't shift it.

Me too and it's happened so fast....literally within the space of 6 months. I've tried 16:8 but I put on weight as i was eating normally during that period. Now, if I cut out all carbs, particularly after 3pm I can avoid any further weight gain. I haven't been able to lose any and keep it off for months.

Mine appeared over 6 months. Nothing else changed

I'm looking for any inspiration of how to shift it before I have to buy all new clothes

I did the Fast 800 OP, it does work for general weight loss - except it didn't on the fat around my middle! I lost loads of weight from my hips and thighs, got down to a Size 10 in trousers, and about six inches from my middle, but not as much as I wanted, and when I moved onto maintenance (when you eat healthily but fairly low carb with a long break between dinner and have a late breakfast- a sort of TRE/fast) it still didn't shift. I just look weird now, top heavy. AGGGHH! It's bloody impossible and if anyone has any advice I'd like to hear it too! Thinking that testosterone ( lack of it) might be the culprit, but not sure.

Oh shit I'm really worried about this now.
I my tummy is where all my weight goes anyway

I've always carried weight on my stomach even when I was thinner but since perimenopause started it's increased everywhere and especially on my stomach.

I've started Fast800 and lost 7lb in first week and I actually feel thinner. Heartburn has gone and I've moved down a hole in my jeans.

Stomach though I know will be the last to go but that's life.

Where do I find out about fast800

Please tell us about fast800 FAST!;) @lostparcel

thefast800.com/

It is basically a healthy way to eat and cuts out things like rice, pasta, potatoes and bread during the first part. Then it moves on to a 5:2 diet and then a way of life diet.

800 calories a day is hard to begin with but your body gets used to it quickly. If you follow the recipes on your plan then you don't get hungry between meals.

Exercise is important to maintain muscle mass and the plan gives you exercises each day. I've started on the basic ones as I have a few aches and pains

I fast too. Nothing before 1pm then try to finish eating by 6.30-7pm. Also try to limit sugar (just a bit at weekends) and booze (ditto). Plus a lot of hard (Ashtanga) yoga and mine is back under control. I’m 44.

Google Sarcopenia. We lose muscle with age. Loss of muscle lowers your metabolism. If you eat the same you will gain weight. If you overly restrict your diet you will lose more muscle. Eat a high protein diet in a 3-500 calorie deficit with 1g of protein per 1lb of your body weight.

Ah here you all are. Same. I'm ditching hrt as I don't feel it was quite right anyway just to see if that makes a difference. I'll look at this fasting business and come back...

You are 44 - I have lost midriff fat successfully before by exercising and dieting/healthy eating. But for some reason it's got a lot more intractable since menopause (started in earnest when I was 48). Nothing seems to have the same effect. Thinking of a few p/t sessions to see if they can suggest anything...

Oh me too. I eat about the same as I always have, I've never done a lot of sport or fitness, although I do walk from A to B a fair bit, but I've always stayed a steady weight and been healthy. I don't eat much sweet stuff, don't really snack, and I drink a lot less alcohol than I did 10 years ago, but all of a sudden my clothes no longer fit me and I've gone up a size for the first time ever. I'm 46. I'm reluctantly accepting it and trying to see a positive that I can go clothes shopping with no guilt.

This is exactly my experience @AInightingale age 48, I rapidly gained over half a stone and any lasting weight loss has seemingly become impossible.

Would be interested to know what has been successful for those nearing or over 50? 🤔

Off to Google Sarcopenia!

I'm 54 and all appeared in last 18 months

I got rid of all my belly fat in 6 months by cutting out pretty much all upf, sugar and most starchy carbs. It was however the last fat to go and only disappeared when my bmi got down to 19. I lost around 11kg over this period. My belly shrunk by 6".

The diet was really easy though with no calorie counting and eating until full and no cravings after the first couple of weeks adjustment. I would really recommend it as it has also given me a lot more energy and I feel healthier for it. I also fast for around 12 to 14 hours a day but eat 3 good meals plus healthy snacks in my eating window.

@Bubbles254 . My experience too - Lost 3.5 stones in a year and my BMI was about 23 I think, but my waist was still in the 'danger' range! I was losing weight from my arms, back, neck, etc but the body seemed for some reason to chose not to use this plentiful supply of fat round my middle! I also think trashy carbs and sugar are the culprit esp. when you get to late 40s/50s, and I am going to ditch them.

52, over the summer, I put on about 3 - 4 kg all on my tummy. Didn't stress as it usually happens over the holidays, and previously I could shift it with 16:8 fasting. So far this year - nothing is shifting it, and if anything, it's getting worse. Sadly I think that there comes a point where it stays around the middle, even if previously you were able to stay slim or lose extra weight easily.

When your œstrogène level drop during your menopause fat is stored differently, unfortunately mostly around the middle. I haven't put on weight but have modified my diet to contain daily my weight in lbs in grammes of protein every day so 128. This involves eating Whole Foods (lots of eggs, fish, meat and Greek yoghurt) and is very filling so I'm never hungry. I haven't cut out any food groups and still eat chocolate every day and drink wine at weekends.

I guess I have to stop eating so much fresh bread, crisps & wine!!!

Hi everyone, have just been searching for meno belly and this thread has come up. Hope you don't mind me bumping it @sillyuniforms I just wanted to see if any of you have any success with your weight-loss since August?
I am fifty-five, and have always been naturally slim without much effort, although I do eat healthily. Over the last five years I have become very portly, with big boobs and large flabby stomach, but my bum has disappeared. I blamed Covid lock-down and a new crisp eating habit.
Looking to try and get back to normal size, I can cut crisps, but was toying with the idea of exercise. I walk the dog for at least two hours a day, and public transport to work, but am thinking maybe running? I haven't really got time for the gym, but could starting jogging with the dog if it will help.
Am on Oestrogel (three pumps), Ultrogestan and one blob of testosterone each day.
Any help would be appreciated.