Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

Most women gain 10lbs between 40-50 years old?

35 replies

NorhamGardens · 16/07/2010 11:56

I've been reading that the average woman gains around 10lbs in her 40s (if not eating 500k a day less, or doing much more exercise etc).

Is the really so?

OP posts:
Original poster
NorhamGardens · 16/07/2010 11:58

May I also ask some more mature Mumsnetters , did you find that you gained weight after 40 even if you led a very healthy and active life?

I am finding that suddenly the pounds are creeping on. I don't drink alcohol or eat refined carbs and have a sickeningly dull, healthy life. I also exercise fairly religiously.

OP posts:
Katisha · 16/07/2010 12:01

Yes actually...

ByTheSea · 16/07/2010 12:11

I gained a lot of weight after 40, but I've always been a bit of a rollercoaster weightwise. By 44, I was bordering on obese. I'm now 46 and back down to about 1/2 stone above what I ideally should be. I eat very healthily trying to lose the excess (follow WW), and I strenuously exercise at least five times a week and I still can't seem to shift it.

paisleyleaf · 16/07/2010 12:13

Oh god. What, as well as the 10lbs I've gained in my 30s?!

eatyourveg · 16/07/2010 12:17

Oh joy!

OrmRenewed · 16/07/2010 12:20

Well I lost about 2 stone in the first 2 years of my 40s

And then appear to have put quite a lot if it back on again in the next 3

I reckon I am probably a few lbs lighter at 45 than I was at 40. But I have noticed that the weight seems to go on quicker now.

I run, eat moderately well, do drink wine and beer, don't smoke.

Original poster
NorhamGardens · 16/07/2010 12:22

Very keen not to morph into 'matronly' but it seems to be getting incredibly hard. I've also noticed an increase in cellulite and lumpy skin plus drooping bottom area! It isn't awful but at 30 it was flawless in comparison. It's tough when you work incredibly hard, I suppose I should take heart that things would be worse if I didn't!

It makes me wonder what on earth celebs like Liz Hurley do? Whenever I see her photographed she looks stunning and has a body of a 20 year old! She must be 45, is she permanently starving or has she, and others like her, sold their soul to the devil?

OP posts:
cybilliberty · 16/07/2010 12:24

The secret to living longer is eating much less. We all eat more as we get older but I dont think weight gain is inevitable. I intend for it not to be here! (FWIW Liz Hurley said she goes to bed hungry every night)

OrmRenewed · 16/07/2010 12:25

One thing I have noticed norham is that I looked dreaeful facially when I got down to my lowest weight - big rings under my eyes, scrawny, bad complexion. Since I've put weight on I look much better. I guess that's an age thing too. It's what makes me happier about gaining a bit of weight TBH. Plan is to keep running and not worry about weight.

Mind you I was never 'flawless' so not as much to lose.

Original poster
NorhamGardens · 16/07/2010 12:29

I was 'comparatively' flawless Certainly not flawless!

Orm, I've heard that you can choose between your face and your body after a certain age. Mind you, if you are that way inclined, you can botox and filler away to disguise the ravages of time. It's rather more costly & potentially risky to tummy tuck and lipo your body in a similar fashion.

I guess if you look at how your mother fared that may give a clue? Mine has always been very disciplined. Even more so than me, to the point where I think her life is pretty joyless.

OP posts:
ThatVikRinA22 · 16/07/2010 12:31

this worries me cos since my early thirties ive gained 14lb. i cant afford any more in my 40's! i do exercise, i run and go to the gym, but i do tend to eat what i fancy in moderation and i have a glass of wine every night. if i start to gain ill have to cut that out but id be very !

OrmRenewed · 16/07/2010 12:32

"to the point where I think her life is pretty joyless. "

Well exactly! I think I'd rather stick to my joyful slightly undisciplined lifestyle and age a bit.

OrmRenewed · 16/07/2010 12:33

'Age' in terms of looks I mean. I am not going to let myself get unfit and incapacitated.

cybilliberty · 16/07/2010 12:33

Norham my mum was of the mindset that having children made you fat so was quite happy to give into that and has always battled with her weight.

I on the other hand decided no I wouldnt be a fat lump. And she is ...of her own daughter!

ALSO she stills buys enough food to feed a family of five...even though its only her and my dad at home. And of course they eat the lot

MayorNaze · 16/07/2010 12:33

apparently if you establish a healthy eating/exercise routine in your 30s it is much easier to carry it on than it is to establish a new regime in your 40s?

so i am told anyway...

cybilliberty · 16/07/2010 12:33

I would rather have a more aged face than a fat body. I think

MayorNaze · 16/07/2010 12:34

FWIW my mum is in her 50s and in better shape than i am

and i'm not in bad shape, tbh

MayorNaze · 16/07/2010 12:35

i think i would as well cyb. though i am short so don't carry weight esp well.

ivykaty44 · 16/07/2010 12:35

norham - when you say you are activley exersising, I do beleive you but what type of stuff are you doing

It isn't just that in your 40's your metabolism slows down - there is the added factor of the menopause and much more muscle loss that in other decades up unitl now.

Woman who therefore get to grips with free wiehgts and actually reduce the cardio to 25% of the workout and make 75% of their workout free weights will possibly elude the weight gain

thats my reading of what happens to your body and how to combat the added fat

Original poster
NorhamGardens · 16/07/2010 12:37

I think that's true, I know I changed my life and routine in my 30s. What isn't so nice is that the weight seems to creep on regardless but then again things might be so much worse if you didn't try.

I would love to be a size 8 but as I see it 'maintaining' in your 40s can mean a size 14 plus. (Obviously depending on shape/height etc).

OP posts:
whatname · 16/07/2010 12:39

i've gained about 10 pounds since turning 40 in Jan.
oh dear

OrmRenewed · 16/07/2010 12:41

"I would rather have a more aged face than a fat body. I think "

I wouldn't I was suffering from anxiety and stress and looked like death. Never again. And I'm enjoying have a cleavage for the first time in a while . There is a difference between being fat and not being thin.

Original poster
NorhamGardens · 16/07/2010 12:42

Yes, I've looked into the science of it all, yes. I do weight train, not my favourite thing in the world.

I could up my strength training, I agree it's very important.

I get a bit miserable when I see my shape changing, my bum getting less curvy, turning more into an apple, my thighs beginning to pucker and dimple at the back and I feel that there will only be so much I can ever do. Collagen begins to break down in your skin and so on.

Perhaps I should begin to channel Madonna or something

OP posts:
BaggedandTagged · 16/07/2010 12:43

Isnt the menopause a factor as well, or does that just change fat distribution (i.e. make you more prone to weight gain around the waist)?

India Knight once said "After 40 you choose between your butt and your face, and unless you make a living as an arse double, I suggest you choose your face."

I disagree. I'm going to do for the "body from Baywatch, face from Crimewatch" look.

Squidmission · 16/07/2010 12:48

Apparently you don't have to choose between your face and your butt. After a thread in style and beauty, I discovered that working out your face can make you look young and gorgeous. This book was recommended;

www.amazon.co.uk/Frasers-Facial-Workout-Penguin-Fitness/dp/0140147136/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid =1279280724&sr=8-1

I am definitely making it part of my routine!

Swipe left for the next trending thread