Middle-age weight gain - any tips for tackling it?

[Jubelteen]

I'm 47 and have gained 1 stone in the last year. I've always been able to lose an extra stone fairly easily, but finding this gain really difficult to shift. I'm worried that it's middle-age spread and I'm going to be stuck with it. Would really appreciate any advice from other women of a similar age.

Not your age sorry. But you may need to reassess your calorie intake.

As you get older your metabolism may slow down which means your total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) may be less. If your calorie intake is consistently over your TDEE you will gain.

Get yourself onto MyFitnessPal. Lots of info on the forums (or the internet) on how to calculate your TDEE. Then use the site to log your calorie intake. Once you know your TDEE and your daily calorie intake you can take steps.

Short answer: you need to eat less.

you could read the book Fat around the Middle by Marilyn Glanville. Which very much concentrates on the effects of sugar and caffeine on the body with the aim of reducing adrenal stress and cortisol production. and lots of other hormone stuff in there too.

I'm 38 and put on nearly 2 stone last year - various stressful things happening.

I joined a gym 6 weeks ago and have been going 2 or 3 times a week doing about half hour cardio and then some strength stuff. I've lost half a stone and 4cm off my weight (only one cm off my bun though).

How much exercise do you do?

Thanks for your quick replies. I will have a look at MyFitnessPal, have heard others talking about it, but calorie counting seems such a chore.

I do have a gym membership, sometimes do 2-3 sessions in a week, either a swim or the treadmill/rower/x-trainer. Sometimes don't manage to get there at all if I'm very busy - no excuse I know, but being honest.
Fat Around the Middle perfectly describes me - will see if I can find a copy at the library.
I know that I really need to get motivated, watch my calories and do regular exercise. I think I've been using the age thing as an excuse!

I am 51 and have managed to maintain my weight (but sadly not lose any) by calorie counting and keeping to a fairly strict calorie limit, as well as walking everywhere rather than driving. I definitely eat less than I used to and am pretty miffed about it all.

I read that muscles burn more calories so have been doing weight training for a few years. I haven't lost any weight but I think it probably allows me to consume a few more calories than my contemporaries.

TheFarSide yes I'm also going to be miffed about having to cut back a bit, I love eating , but just not worth it if this awful spare tyre is the result. I drive to work (too far to walk), then sit a a desk all day. My dogs are also getting old so our walks are more of an amble these days.