+64 votes
by (790 points)
How has menopause affected your diets? I cannot seem to drop a pound and could cry everyday. I’ve put on 15 lbs since January. Needing help and advise—-please.  
How has menopause affected your diets?

60 Answers

+49 votes
by (5.4k points)
 
Best answer
When I went through menopause I put in belly weight I never had before. Hard to take off
by (440 points)
Same here - plus my bra size
+48 votes
by (670 points)
I cant seem to drop a pound either walk 6 miles a day and track my food definitely discouraging
+38 votes
by (630 points)
I am exactly in the same boat. Every day I get frustrated with myself and yep, pretty darn sad. I try to remember that I am happy (other than the weight thing) and healthy. but yeah, I am right there with you
0 votes
by (440 points)
I never had an issue with weight gain until I went through Meno
+27 votes
by (680 points)
It took me 9 months to lose 20 pounds. That's with following ww to the letter. Treadmill everyday an hour. Husband lost 45 within 6 months.  
+5 votes
by (5.3k points)
Takes longer
+16 votes
by (1.3k points)
I’m order to maintain my weight I can only eat about 28 points a day. I never eat all of my regular points nor any of my extras. Before menopause I could eat all my points and lose weight.  
+50 votes
by (47.5k points)
Portion size
+25 votes
by (660 points)
The struggle is real!  
+7 votes
by (1.2k points)
Same boat . up 22 lbs  
+21 votes
by (18.1k points)
Try green tea  (warm) Last meal light/small
+8 votes
by (3.7k points)
What helped me was changing up my exercise routine. And working out a bit more. The weight loss was slower. But the increase exercise helped with hot flashes  
+56 votes
by (2.7k points)
Our metabolism slows as we age. I find if I really watch my carbs and unnecessary sugar it helps with loss but it is still a small loss weekly (always under 0. 4 lb. ) Doing some weight training exercise helps but now that all fitness places are closed that can be a challenge too. Still, I feel healthier whenever I eat a proper diet, so that’s the bright side!  
+53 votes
by (2.1k points)
Exercise more and add some weights — even small hand weights can help with metabolism
+4 votes
by (3.8k points)
Cut down on salty foods. Get some exercise every day. even if it’s just a short walk. Don’t give up. Good luck
+31 votes
by (670 points)
Mine came off slow but I can’t imagine you gaining if staying within your points
+10 votes
by (3.1k points)
Sucks! all areas of my life I am Premenopause and 54 years young and still not there yet ! Everything has changed ‍♀️
+21 votes
by (3.1k points)
Oh yeah and the mid section area I never had a problem With it awful ! Bloated ! Anyone have any tips on getting rid of that crap
+28 votes
by (2.3k points)
I gained weight with menopause. I've always been a regular exerciser, and often watched what I ate, but gradually I gained weight. Long story short, weight loss is slow, but I lost the 30 pounds I gained and have kept it off. You have to pay attention to your body. For me, bread is a luxury I don't eat often. When I have a potato, I limit it to around 4 oz. and I most often choose fruits with lower GI. Little changes like that make a big difference. I've kept the weight off for about three years now.  
+6 votes
by (1.8k points)
I have gained 25, lose a few but very slow. Am 60 + , all the weight in the belly.  
+13 votes
by (6.5k points)
I combine WW with Intermittent Fasting - has been working for me.  
by (1.7k points)
Can I ask how you do your fasting? I know there is different ways.  
+42 votes
by (1.2k points)
Menopause SUCKS! Same boat here
+37 votes
by (1.9k points)
I take a supplement called Vitex. Helps with bloating and helps with my menopausal acne
by (390 points)
@directrix69757 does it help with night sweats?  
by (1.9k points)
@eichmann44 Meeks Fleek yes it does. Not really expensive either and all natural
by (390 points)
@directrix69757 wow! I will check it out. Thank you!  
by (1.9k points)
@eichmann44 Meeks Fleek I hope it works for you. I think I got a big bottle on amazon for around 30$. Started taking 4 a day for a week and then 2 daily
by (390 points)
@directrix69757 great! I will try it. Thanks
+30 votes
by (3.8k points)
Menopause really wrecks my weight loss. Very frustrating
+31 votes
by (8.3k points)
It takes much longer to lose, but hopefully it will take longer to gain it back. Adjust your mindset to slow loss. For me, it’s hard to see others journey, when some lose so fast. 7 months - 25 down.  
by (16k points)
@bailar McElhany that's fast. Took me 15 months to drop 25
by (8.3k points)
@jemy3 , I hear ya! Want to slap people who say - It’s been 3 months and I’ve only lost 50 lbs. What am i doing wrong.  
+44 votes
by (1k points)
I not only have perimenopause (from cancer meds) but also a new belly from having a mastectomy without reconstruction after my diagnosis of breast cancer almost 2 years ago. This is the ONLY thing that has worked, but it seems to take longer than others. Give yourself time and stay the course. I know how frustrating it feels!  
by (16k points)
@qualify49935 that is me too. Gained from having chemo. I only had a lumpectomy but went on to have a reduction and trying to lose that belly. Seems last to go but is going.  
+50 votes
by (1k points)
I am 51 and was stuck for a while. I started walking about 5 days a week and cut back on sugar and carbs. Increased my water in take too. I am walking about 2-3 miles a day now and down 10 lbs. Keeping it off will be a struggle I am sure! But I agree it is frustrating and things work differently for everyone. Just keep encouraging yourself and don't stop! You got this!  
+12 votes
by (53.1k points)
Everyday is a new fresh start. We all get into that frame of mind at one point or another. I reread the post I share with other people that are just starting out or need refocusing when I need to refocus myself. Maybe something on this will help you. The good thing is it is a new day! Today you start fresh. Today is your first day! Welcome to WW! Here are some basic tips TRACK every lick, bite, and taste. The program does not work if you don't track. You can lie to the tracker but your body knows what it ate. MEASURE breakout the measuring spoons, cups and the food scale. Don't eyeball it you will be wrong. EXERCISE find something you love. You won't do if you hate it. I personally like walking, dancing when the weather says don't walk, and cardio-drumming. I do cardio-drumming from YouTube videos. Nothing is more satisfying than hitting things with sticks. If you need to start easy try marching in front of the TV during commercials and then build yourself up to a whole show. MEAL PREP I always keep a big bin of chopped onions, a big bin of chopped bell peppers, and a big bin of chunks of cooked chicken breast. I also have staples like cucumbers, tomatoes, spinach, pasta, laughing cow triangle cheese, olive oil farro, tzatziki sauce, garlic, eggs, apples, oranges, bananas, berries, whatever is in season. This way when I am hungry I have healthy choices. Breakfast omlette throw together garlic, onions, peppers, eggs and then fold it over a cut up wedge of laughing cow cheese. For lunch a very easy tzatziki chicken. Chicken, bell pepper, onions, cucumber, tomatoes. Toss it with tzatziki sauce. You can put it on a pita, eat it without the pita, or what I like to do is RIP up half a pita and mix it in after the tzatziki is mixed in. For dinner maybe a salad with the spinach, onions, peppers, chicken. Etc. Maybe pasta or rice with anything on the list. The most important tip is KINDNESS be as nice to yourself as you are to others. When you are giving your self negative back talk, ask yourself if that is how you would speak to a friend and give yourself a break. I almost forgot. zero points does not mean zero calories. For instance, a banana is zero points but if you over banana you are gonna get yourself into trouble. EAT you need to eat within 10 below and 5 above your points level. If consistently under eat your body thinks there is a famine and holds on to every ounce of weight it can until the famine is over. Under eating and over exercising is a bad combo. If you stick to 5 below and 5 above it works better. for me at least. You are not alone in this. A lot of us join with that "last resort" mentality. But don't think that way. Take a nice before picture with a big smile because today is the day your life changed for the better. You are gonna get healthy, you are gonna be fit. You are gonna breathe better. You just need to give it some time. This is a slow process but it is a process that works. I'm excited for you taking this big step towards a healthier life. You might want to sit down and write yourself a love letter stating why you joined WW and what your long term goals are, how you will accomplish them (small term goals) and what you will be able to accomplish when you get there! I personally would like to be able to get up off the floor without having to hoist myself up on the couch like I am climbing Mount Everest. That is one of the things future me will be able to do. Last tip. don't hang out in the kitchen. Eat there, cook there, clean the dishes. But if it isn't kitchen related get out of there it is too tempting. Also do not compare your journey to anyone else's. We are all different. We all have different metabolisms. So mind your own journey and don't worry that someone else lost more that week. It won't help your progress.  
+49 votes
by (850 points)
I am in the same situation.  
+3 votes
by (8.2k points)
I have increased my water, I watch my sodium, etc. I was on a plateau for about 18 months. I got a dr. note, continued to plateau. I have taken 3 lbs off since the shelter in place. I am so grateful for the WW virtual meetings. It has been a very slow process. I started 4 years ago this month, I have lost 49. 2 lbs. I am still going through the last bits, hopefully, of menopause. I feel WW is the best out there.  
+15 votes
by (3.8k points)
I could not lose while going through it. once I was done (early menopause here. started at 46/47. last period at 49) the weight started to come off easier. still slow, but at least I would lose.  
+8 votes
by (580 points)
Although I haven't lost anything with the quarantine and all. with stress eating. I find that is starting to settle. but the menopause is the devil for weight loss I have found. I did lose recently during the fall and one of the main things I found was trying to limit sugar. you know the simple sugars in all the goodies. trying to eat less of that. and a bit of activity. it wasn't fast but still a loss
0 votes
by (3.4k points)
I had to reduce my points till I found the right balance for me. It's a struggle for sure.  
+7 votes
by (1.2k points)
Same here. Never had a weight problem until menopause. The struggle is real. No matter what I do, the scale goes up and then down, up and then down. Just wish it would stay down!  
+46 votes
by (12.3k points)
It took a long time before I saw any results from the changes I was putting into place. I did reach my goal but it took me a year to lose 15-20 pounds. Slow and steady! Keep tracking points and eating healthily. And try to be accepting that it may take a while.  
+17 votes
by (570 points)
I'm struggling too ☹️
+16 votes
by (790 points)
Thank you ladies for all your input. Now I need to get to work! The disturbing part is that I’ve been a lifetime member for 3 years and right now I’m 15 lbs over my goal. dang menopause!  
+47 votes
by (6.2k points)
Yep. Every pound is a struggle. Not easy at 50. I was told to add some weights - having more muscle mass helps. I’ve only lost 20 since last Sept and I’m working out too. I feel better though. Hang in there! (Oh and drink tons of water)
+3 votes
by (15.6k points)
IAM bad can't seem to get back on track since Thanksgiving I had lost 90 lbs now I have gained 30 lbs back need help to get back again heeeeelp
by (29.5k points)
@shilling Oh no, sista. How can we help? The only thing I can think of recently is, change your mind ( focus). I stopped thinking of losing weight & focus on HEALTH! I am old! I plan to walk&jog a 5k. I have never done such a thing before. There is training, proper shoes, knowledge! Diet for us @ our age. Now, I don't suggest u do crazy like me, but you need to focus on something other than what you are now. I believe in you! You can do it!  
by (15.6k points)
I am 64 can't walk anymore I used. to walk 6to 10 miles daily but I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and have reallybad vertigo we are going to order me a 3 wheel adult bike and then I can exercise again hopefully. thank you for answering my post means a lot to me
by (29.5k points)
@shilling Try chair ec Exercise on utube. Free & has all levels of any kind of exercise. Even dance!  
by (15.6k points)
by (29.5k points)
@shilling w lol
+43 votes
by (29.5k points)
Nothing! Advanced age is another story!  
+43 votes
by (45.9k points)
Many of us have something that makes this more challenging - menopause, age, meds, medical conditions. It’s more of a challenge but never impossible.  
+12 votes
by (670 points)
I have stopped dieting for right now. Im in the middle of menopause. Nothing moves that scale
+45 votes
by (4.3k points)
I'm 66 and refuse to give up. I decided to trust the science of WW and keep on keeping on. Recently stepped up my exercise and now include more activities that are fun and keep me moving. Learning more and more from my fellow WWers about what works for them, so I can incorporate it myself. Each of us has a unique body, but if we don't give up, we will find a way to make this work for us. I believe there is hope for al of us. The alternative is none too pretty.  
by (15.6k points)
@pell5938 I am not giving up waiting for my bike to come ty for coment
by (4.3k points)
@shilling my bike is my new best friend! Excited for you to get yours too.  
by (15.6k points)
@pell5938 mine has to be an adult 3 wheel I had to special order
+6 votes
by (3.2k points)
I have to walk a mile along with the food plan. That seems to make the difference. Now is a sad time we all want to cry. It will get better.  
+54 votes
by (3.4k points)
My Dr put me on the lowest dose of estrogen! It has helped tremendously.  
by (4.8k points)
@collaborate me too!  
+39 votes
by (2.5k points)
Same problem, weight loss goes very slow, no cheat days, lots of exercising and still very slow. However exercising does help tremendously with my mood
+52 votes
by (23.3k points)
It has not affected me, I just stick to the plan and it works but it isn't easy. Getting past the emotional BS is the hard part.  
+26 votes
by (15.6k points)
Congratulations way to go
+23 votes
by (1.3k points)
Right here with ya. Switched from blue to green and now purple. nothing. been in it since Jan
+44 votes
by (5.9k points)
Try the fasting from 7:00 pm till 11:am or 5:00 pm to 9:00am im 63 and know what you are saying. This helps me. Just try for 4 or 5 days.  
+46 votes
by (6.6k points)
Menopause has really changed me can’t loose a pound to safe my life
+48 votes
by (4.7k points)
Once My iud was removed the weight plummeted, I’m 54 in a week, hot flashes are diminishing finally too
+17 votes
by (8.9k points)
I gained 30lbs after my hysterectomy . was not even pre-menopausal. My metabolism went right out the window after surgery! I have lost 20. 8 lbs (dieting on my own, starting November 2019, started WW January 2020. ) Slow going, but a loss is a LOSS! lol
+55 votes
by (5.4k points)
Google the hormone reset diet. Interesting info to read. I did that in September, lost 12 lbs.  
+2 votes
by (4.5k points)
Check out hormone replacement therapy on the women's International Pharmacy website. I've been taking natural hormones since I was 33 more than 40 years and I feel fantastic because of them I believe. It also helps control that part of the equation so that I can then focus on losing weight. Also if you have an issue with blood pressure or thyroid those things could also affect you but again you can get supplement with hormone replacement therapy which is using natural hormones not synthetic hormones. There's a huge difference. American Medical Association and insurance companies cover synthetic hormones but they don't cover natural. However the cancer issue is more prevalent with synthetic hormones versus natural. My hormone doctor told me out of the hundreds of patients he has taking and using natural hormones not one issue of cancer. Check it out on the women's International Pharmacy website. It's full of information
+29 votes
by (16.6k points)
I’m going through menopause and I’m losing
+33 votes
by (2.2k points)
It's a daily struggle
+23 votes
by (2k points)
In the same exact boat
+57 votes
by (1.3k points)
I find my cravings are different. I crave more salty things. Not good. however, it is a slow process. It can be done. Hang in there.  
+43 votes
by (2.7k points)
Try Pahla B workouts for women over 50. They are excellent and are geared for the meno aged woman!  
The Weight Watchers Group is where you can always find questions, answers, advice, reviews & recommendations from other community members about recipes, meal ideas, and tips for the Weight Watchers diet.
...