Perimenopause and weight loss

[Pentiumgold]

Hi I am really struggling to lose weight since I went into perimenopause. I am quite fit and run about 4 times a week and try to eat a healthy diet.
But, despite this I am beginning to pile on weight. Especially around my tummy, thighs and boobs. My jeans are too uncomfortable to wear for long and my bras aren't comfy.
Does any-one have any particular advice for this time of life? It's making me feel quite low about getting old.

I can sympathise as I’ve always struggled with my weight but was never so heavy as I was in January this year. ( I’m 50 years old ). I think the accepted wisdom is low carb to shift the weight that settles around the middle in older age. ( by which I mean over 40). I’ve had good results since Feb on a lowish calorie and low carb diet ( with some 16:8 IF) and am down 1stone 9lbs. I did a little running but mostly walking 5k 5 days a week. Exercise wise I think you need to introduce some weights - it’s a myth that lots of cardio helps shift fat. I will be back in the gym with a PT soon and I know we’ll be primarily on the weights for our sessions.

Thankyou Divebar, it's really useful what you recommend about low carbs and using weights!
A huge well done too on your weight loss, :)

@Pentiumgold

Remember too that mood swings are also a symptom of peri menopause so if you’re feeling low it may be part and parcel of that. I started with insomnia around 48 and tiredness combined with low mood really triggered lots of carb / sugary snacks for me. I have come through that a little bit now but some women do find homeopathic remedies help a bit. The menopause board has lots of useful threads too so maybe look over there. Good luck .... I’m sure you can find yourself again.

Thank you Divebar will take a look x

I am 51 and feel the same way. I still have periods but was put on Evorel Conti and now I wonder if this is the right thing for me. I already don't drink alcohol or eat any starchy carbs. I have tried keto, LCHF, intermittent fasting.. and I just seem to be getting wider and wider. I have always been pear shaped, with heavier bum, hips and thighs, but now I am also getting wider on my upper half, boobs, arms, back... So depressing...

Hi Peace.... it's so depressing isn't it. I really wish I could find something to help me shift some weight. I literally seem to be gaining more and more each day

I am finding my way through this. I had some good success with quitting sugar, fasting for 14-16 hours a day and no snacking; three things I'd just found worked for me by trial and error. I was learning to lean in to my loneliness and unhappiness rather than eating my feelings. Then Easter came, and I thought, "what's the harm in a bit of chocolate?". Three Easter eggs and four takeaways later... I am feeling ashamed and frustrated with myself this evening.

So tomorrow's a brand new day, and Sunday is a run day. At the start of the year I couldn't run for more than 30 seconds and now I'm doing 2 miles. And the gyms open on Monday and I can get back to weight lifting. I'm going to start right at the beginning again.

I know it's pointless, but I look at the fit, strong, size 8 me of only three years ago and could cry. DP said something careless tonight and I did cry. I said, "I don't like being like this. I don't like looking like this. But I'm struggling with my life and I don't know how else to deal with it. I'm doing my best".

It's got so hard since I hit 45. The only thing that helps is a strict high protein diet and 5 days weight training a week. You've all my sympathies OP.

@gamerchick any particular weight training you'd recommend for weight loss?