Middle aged spread

[SouthWestmom]

So, I'm still the same weight as many years ago. But am now 47 and my clothes (10/M) are all getting tight round the tummy and I have fat on my ribs. Nothing else - legs arms boobs etc all the same.

I don't know what to do - exercise? Give in and go up a size, but then clothes are baggy everywhere else or loose.

I'm so depressed by it - I've always been happy to stay slim despite kids etc and it's been (shallow) important to me.

Things now (trying them all on in advance of new wooden wardrobe delivery) are too tight and have a flabby ridge at the top.

You should try weight training - obviously gyms aren't open but you can buy weights online for home use & access YouTube tutorials.
My cousin is a similar age & lifts - she has low body fat %.

Also try an App like My Fitness Pal - maybe you are eating too many calories?
I'm 43 & any extra calories go to my abdomen first.
I'm now eating 1400 - 1500 calories a day low sugar & low saturated fat foods & my stomach is already looking slimmer.
I've got some 3kg weights to do free weight workouts with as well.

Sorry meant to say with Lockdown I think we're all moving less & eating more than we realise! I was going to the gym regularly then obviously it was replaced by daily walks which just don't cut it - and I know I've eaten more!

Maybe im eating too much I don't really want to change shape totally (like lose weight as I'd look ill) but will that work for tummy area?

It should help, just try it?

Yes that's a good idea. If I could tone arms and tummy that would be good.

With weights you build muscle & burn fat for at least 12 hours after working out.

Check out busbee style video on this on YT - really good advice re diet, supplements and exercise to reduce tummy fat in peri menopause.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=e1J_SFm2ZaY

Thank you.
It's just an uncomfortable layer I'd like to lose

I am 48 and exactly the same. Weight goes straight on my tummy now and I am quite petite so it shows. I find working with weights really helps, but I need to exercise at least 4 times a week for 30 minutes each time religiously, or it soon starts to creep back. I recommend Julia Buckley for workout plans and videos on technique. I am a believer in not being too obsessed with diets, I eat as little sugar and processed food as possible and very little red meat, but I do allow myself occasional treats.

I am 53 and find it much harder to lose a couple of pounds now. I am in fairly good shape because I swam everyday before lockdown. Really missing it and started doing the 30 day shred again (last done about 5 years' ago). I have been doing it for about 20 days and have really toned up my stomach muscles. More so than with swimming. If you are ok with your legs - there is a fair amount of jumping - I do the level 3 everyday with something interesting in the background to watch or listen to. And the time flies by. Really recommend.

It sounds like you're developing excess body fat in that area (understandable for lockdown)
Sit ups will NOT get rid of it, you need to strip body fat first in order to see any muscle definition.
The only way to strip fat is a calorie deficit - eat less and move more etc etc. it's likely if you don't have body fat anywhere else it will go from your stomach first x

Nooo Darcy don't say it out loud!
You're right though. I look like a little jelly baby.