Weight loss over 40? (women)?

Question

I have never had a weight problem and do moderate exercise regularly. But in the last few years, it has been getting more difficult to keep the weight off. I have gained 10lbs. over the past 3 years and can not seem to get the weight off and keep it off. (I'm 5'2" and currently weigh 129).

For you ladies over 40, is this normal? Will I be able to get the weight off and keep it off? I know I have to do it naturally--proper diet and exercise--but do i have to exercise harder than ever now that I am older? I just don't want to see the pounds creeping up year after year.

Any advice or encouragement from you ladies who have been there, done that? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

It is very normal to gain weight after 40 because you lose lean muscle and that in turn slows the metabolism. Also women in their 40's have a higher incidence of slight hypothyroidism or low thyroid which can contribute to weight gain.

When I added weight training I actually started eating more food than before and started losing. I was well over 40 when I started exercising and lifting weights together for the first time. I lost 90 pounds in 10 months.

You may find that adding weight training to your exercise routine could help you lose those extra 10 pounds.

There are actual formulas where you can calculate the amount of exercise, weight training and calories you need to eat to lose, maintain or gain weight. Harris-Benedict is one and the other is called the Schoefield (sp?).

The key is to NOT starve your body because that signals your body to maintain fat. I eat 4 to 6 small meals a day rather than 3 large ones and 3 small ones. I never skip breakfast.

I cycle 5 to 6 days a week, lift weights 1 to 2 days a week.

If you are 40 years old at your height and weight you would require 1324.63 calories for your basal metabolism rate (BMR) or resting rate. This means if you were lying down all day doing nothing you would burn those calories.

That is why these formulas work so well to give you an estimate of your needed intake.

Hope these links help!

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I am not 40 yet, but I can already relate. When I was younger I could eat less and exercise hard and lose about a pound a day up to about ten pounds. Most of that was water weight. Women over 30 are told to do moderate low impact weight lifting working the upper body one day and the lower body the next day. Muscle burns more calories while you are sitting or inactive. Weight lifting also fights bone loss- calcium loss(?) A stronger than average calcium suppliment may also help women of all ages but especially women over 30. I am not a doctor by any means, but I do listen and follow a lot of health tips I hear from my physician and articles I read in books and magazines. More water without sugar and or carbonation as well as decafinated will also help unless you have been advised otherwise by your doctor. There is a great deal of info on this on the internet. Hope I could help.

Answer 4

The solution to a slim, firm body at 40-plus is no farther than your fridge. Research shows that, when combined with a little regular exercise, what you eat and when you eat it are your metabolic secret weapons for building muscle mass, the body's prime calorie-burning tissue and a key driver of your metabolism.

Answer 5

Before I follow your advice where are you know 8 years later? Sorry I just want to know that whoever I follow or research on here I have some kind of results...

Answer 6

read tips on weight loss and exercise programs to help you better on this site

Answer 7

cut your lawn with a push mower for 17 minutes

Answer 8

give your sweetie a massage then have him return the favor