Over 40 and protruding midriff

[speedymama]

I first did WW about 6 years ago and lost 20lb within 4 months. I have always exercised but despite this, I was always carrying too much around the middle (that is where put on weight) so I needed to change my eating habits. WW was excellent for that and I maintained my goal weight within 1-2lb without a problem.

Two years ago I gave birth to twin boys and during the pregnancy, my weight went up by 4stones! Within a year I had lost 3 stone by following WW but the last stone has been coming off slowly. I'm now within 7lb of my target. What I have noticed was before children, at this current weight, my tummy was fairly flat, now it protrudes a lot. Is this solely down to my pregnancy or is it because I am getting older and at 41yo, it becomes more difficult to trim the midriff. I have been slack at doing my tummy exercise but before children, I did not do them all the time and was happy with my midriff.

Is it the case that I need to work harder on my midriff and instead of losing 7lb, maybe I need to lose another stone? Are there any other over 40yo out there with this dilemma?

Nobody over 40 then?

It is definitely true that your body changes after 40! Metabolism slows and it gets harder and harder to stay in shape, ime. I would just keep after those crunches, although every trainer will tell you that it's not really feasible to "spot train" so walking, etc. along with it will make a big difference.

Hi Speedy, I'm 42 and on my birthday weekend stayed in a hotel with very unforgiving mirrors. Didn't realise that the midriff had well and truely bulged. Not totally sure how to deal with it but have started swimming and walking a few times a week. If you find any tips, please, please pass them on.

I'm increasing my cardiovascular activities, knee allowing, like you. So more walking, low impact arerobic workouts using my collection of fitness videos/DVDs and I'm being really strict with my WW diet for the next 6 weeks (no more than 20 points a day). I've called this my Midriff Reduction Plan (MRP) and I'm hoping to have trimmed at least 2 inches of my waistline plus lose half a stone. DH is going to be my MRP Enforcer .

It's time for action before all of me goes south!