I can't believe i am starting this battle again in the middle of menopause. I'm afraid I'm setting myself up for failure.

Any experiences out there to say it can be done?

Don't despair, it might feel different but you can do it. I lost 100 lbs after menopause. About 40 lbs was gained after menopause, now that I think. But the weigt loss went about same rate as younger days.

Sundove, what an encouraging reply. I'm in my late 40s but still having my periods like clockwork so haven't hit menopause yet. I lost a lot of weight in my early 40s and have since gained most of it back. A lot of controllable things have contributed to my weight gain but I often wonder if age has/had anything to do with it. I know that every body is different but your comment renews my faith that this can be done. Thank you!

I'm 58, hit menopause a couple of years ago. Have lost 70+ lbs since 5/5/15. It CAN be done! I think this time I am more committed to obtaining a healthy lifestyle. If a lazy procrastinator like me can do it, so can you! (I'm no longer lazy, nor procrastinate! - I have so much more energy to do the things that need to be done and things I should be doing.)

Aw you are so welcome Curvy
It did seem easier for weight to creep back on when I was your age (as opposed to 20s & 30s). Strangely losing seemed to be about the same. Oh, I'll add that after menopause you'll be free of those pesky monthly cravings.

I gained my weight over the last 3 years towards the end of menopause. I stopped myself from going over 200 lbs, but I never really stuck to a diet. Ijust made healthier choices. This time I am sticking to a diet and I am committed to lose the extra pounds I gained during the last 3-4 years.

I do think it is a little more difficult to lose the weight because I am stuck to my routine, now I have to find a new routine that works for me and my body. Like with sports, not everyone is a runner but a sport is out there. I am walking a lot and I am swimming twice a week. I am committed and I think it can be done.

Well, I'll be 50 in a few weeks. My periods are still right on schedule but I've got to be at least perimenopausal, right? The first 30 pounds literally fell off me once I committed to healthier eating. The rest has been slow going. I'm exercising and I've recently committed to doing some pilates a couple of times a week and I think it's making a difference. No question my metabolism is slower than it was in my 20's, but I think the biggest part is that I can't exercise like I used to, just because I'm that much older. I can't even push myself as hard as I once did because I know an injury at my age could sideline me for months.

Walking and swimming are great forms of lower impact exercise, and it definitely adds up! Do you have a walking or swimming buddy? I find having that partner counting on me to exercise with them keeps me accountable!

I started my diet during perimenopause, after 6-8 months it was full blown menopause. It can be done, mood swings hot flashes (I still get them frequently) and all, I think, to a large degree, my success with weight loss actually helped me battle through it better, because it gave me some extra focus. I'm 52 now, I think I went through it a tiny bit earlier than most

I really appreciate all this fantastic advice and first-hand experience.

katiam247! You make an excellent point. I absolutely concur that when I was at my fittest and lowest weight, 140 pounds, I had so much energy! I still have a lot of energy but I definitely notice and feel the decline.

Thanks chocolatecheesecake . Switching up your activity is always a good idea not only to adapt to your body's abilities but also to curtail boredom. Admittedly, though, I became a runner in my early 40s and I will BE a runner again in my late 40s. Of course my gateway to running was being an avid walker first. The weather has changed, spring is here. Time to get off of my backside!

Great point about enduring menopause better due to better health. There's a lady on the maintainer thread who was hit by a car late last year. Severely broken leg, bruises, long recovery, etc. While she's not 100% her recovery was aided tremendously by being fit and exercising regularly. We can't stop life from happening, but honestly, I think we overcome challenges and hardships better when we aren't having to fight our physical body

Hello Ladies!

I am having the same difficulties. I am 52 and thought I was in menopause as I did not have a period from August of last year until the beginning of this month, when I had a normal period just as if I'd never missed one. Now here it is the end of the month and I'm having another one which wouldn't be unusual for me, other than the 6 months break between the end of August and the beginning of March. I started a low carb eating plan two weeks ago and lost 8 pounds the first week. I've continued to avoid carbs and have been very active, but this week I've only lost a pound. I don't know if it's due to whatever is going on with my hormones or what. It's nice to know I'm not the only one struggling with the ups and downs related to the ups and downs of fluctuating hormones. I'm glad I stumbled across this thread.

Middle of menopause? You're still a young 'un! And absolutely you can lose weight! A relative of mine lost about 120 lbs during menopause. She's kept it off for years now. She didn't struggle too much, either (not more than anyone else would, anyway). She basically started eating less and moving more (mostly walking, I think).