YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Weight gain vent/rant!!

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Weight gain vent/rant!! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:17:22 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php ironkurtin on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1202902 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 17:54:22 +0000 ironkurtin 1202902@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chiming in - I have lost a lot of body fat and am mostly lean muscle, and I still have tummy flab.  I had a baby.  C'est la vie. shiny on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1202827 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 16:51:00 +0000 shiny 1202827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No advice, just commiseration. I'm 48 and this past year I've seen my weight creep up a lot. Ironically, the past 5 months, I have been on a med that has weight LOSS as a notorious side effect -- and I am probably the only person in the world to actually GAIN on it. I can't figure it out. The med kills my appetite completely, I am not over-eating. I am also sleeping better than I have in years, which is great, and you'd think better sleep would help rather than hurt. And I am neither more nor less active than usual.  Really, other than my age (and erratic hormones) the only thing to change is STRESS levels. This past year, I've had enormous doses of both the good type of stress (challenging, interesting new job) and the bad type of stress (period where I was laid off, and dealing with double whammy of mother-in-law and father-in-law both having major health issues). Because of everything going on in our life on work and family front, I am viewing my expanding waistline and changing body with grace and acceptance. A sense of humor helps too. And finding the silver lining in it all: updating my wardrobe has been excellent de-stressor for me, as i find it a very enjoyable distraction (as long as I don't look at the size on the label). And I have started to wonder if my recent luck finding jeans that fit, is because I've gained a size or two, with weight being deposited in just the right places for jeans. I don't know if that's true, but i'm telling myself it is. TraceyLiz65 on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1202816 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 16:40:02 +0000 TraceyLiz65 1202816@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think this is such a tough thing especially for those of us who all of a sudden find ourselves with a new issue that didn't exist before.  Just remember that it doesn't come off overnight and any loss even half a pound is a move in the right direction... Yes, it's nice to lose 2-3lbs a week, but it doesn't usually pan out that way... I have to say that for me personally, I lost weight better when I just concentrated on what I ate through WW... I love exercize but can never seem to get it right on what I should eat when adding the exercize... Maintaining and exercising works ,just not weight loss... could never find that magic formula...  Linda on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1202356 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 02:03:49 +0000 Linda 1202356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, don't get me started!!! I have twenty pounds I'd like to lose, but I've been trying to lose them now for several years, and what I was doing was not working.  (Although I suppose it helped me avoid MORE weight gain?  Yeah well.)  I re-evaluated around the first of this year, and have been reading and synthesizing ever since.  I don't weight myself constantly, but go by how clothes fit me.  But I did hop on the scale and notice a couple of pounds less on the dial. We've been having kale and fruit smoothies before breakfast most mornings, and trying to eat a lot more greens and cruciferous veggies, and fish and chicken.  I've been increasing the number of times per week I have eggs for breakfast (often with spinach and some cheese) to try to avoid my nemesis, snacking when I'm up late. I am trying high intensity interval workouts rather than my beloved steady state, slow runs :-(.  It's kind of humbling, but I'm experimenting to see if the interval work does what they claim, which is to help me burn fat more and also maybe increase endurance.  I've only been doing this for about a week so far so I'll have to report back later.  This winter DEFINITELY has not been kind, although, I have the right layers and no legit excuses for not going out running, except that sinus infection that knocked me out and then I got spoiled about getting re-acclimated to cold. I was always the SKINNY one and this pudginess in midlife is a very unwelcome thing!  columbine(erin) on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1202039 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 16:38:16 +0000 columbine(erin) 1202039@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If you have a smart phone or an ipad, you can download Lindsay Brin's Moms into Fitness app and there is a free 30 day challenge on it. I stayed the same exact weight for 2 yrs after having my second son but for the last year and a half have really enjoyed Lindsay's workouts and have very gradually lost the weight. She's a mom of 3 so very relatable.  Kiwichik on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1201214 Fri, 21 Mar 2014 19:00:43 +0000 Kiwichik 1201214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lots of good advise has already been tendered but I'll add my own experiences. I am currently on a weight loss journey having put on a significant amount of weight in the last few years, I use the weight watchers app to track my weight & food intake and had a similar experience to you when I started. It was as if my body was taking some time to recalibrate. The first month was really slow. I did all the right things with little result and then voila things started to happen - clearly my body had realigned itself and the weight started to drop off. Hang in there. Stick with the WW point allocations and you will be successful. Introduce new habits one at a time until they become routine and you'll be back in your old clothes in no time. texstyle on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200942 Fri, 21 Mar 2014 14:54:08 +0000 texstyle 1200942@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Being over 50, I can relate and tell you only what is working for me. But don't be too hard on yourself because aging is a natural process and we all will get slightly more fat storage in our mid-section. I still wear a two-piece and don't feel self conscious. Natural progesterone and estradiol cream to help with the hormonal shifts and I've recently stopped drinking wine - it's been over three weeks now and I think I've lost at least a couple of inches in my belly (didn't measure before but I can tell by how my clothes are fitting).  Both hormones and alcohol can wreak havoc on your hormones according to what I've read, which are directly related to belly fat. Oh yes, pro-biotics are something else I've added (capsules in the refrigerated section of the health food or grocery store).  Good gut bacteria helps burn fuel efficiently. I also have reduced my food intake considerably and  have started eating only about 2 or 3 oz of protein most of the time, instead of 6 or 8 ozs. I've always eaten a lot of veggies and was vegetarian for years. Now I eat chicken, eggs, seafood and sometimes grass fed beef.  I try to eat yams instead of regular potatoes. I've giving up non-stick pans (again) as I think the chemicals disrupt the hormones. I don't care too much for sugary things so nothing to give up there. I stick to high quality (local bakery bought or home baked) whole grains as much as possible. I try not to snack much as I don't really have a blood sugar problem as long as I eat three good nutritious meals a day. If I get hungry in between I try to snack on a small handful of nuts/seeds, some celery or radish, or maybe an apple. I find that I have to eat about 1/2 or 2/3 of what DH eats or I won't lose weight so I serve our meals accordingly - and yes he kids me about it. I've also been juicing for the occasional "fast" dinner once or twice a week and sometimes for a snack. I'm 5'6" and weigh between135-140 when I go to my doctor (no scale at home). I've been trying to keep my calories to about 1500 a day and I seem to be losing weight at this level. I'd like to get back down to 130 by the end of the year. I may have to reduce the calories just ever so slightly to get there. Say, 1400 a day. Which is completely manageable with plenty of veggies, berries and lean protein. I also work out with weights a couple times a week (heavy enough to be difficult to get through 10 reps), and I hike about 40 mins. on hilly terrain a couple times a week (more if I can). Muscle burns more calories even when you are resting. So there - much longer than I should have written. Isabel on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200927 Fri, 21 Mar 2014 14:31:43 +0000 Isabel 1200927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh boy, I was just wondering this myself last night, not about you, but me . Lol I had been skinny my whole life and with flat abs, then after 2 years of cancer treatments, I gained a lot of weight ....I had some hormone Stuff going on as a result. Then I had to have a hysterectomy because of the cancer. Last year my doctors felt that I could start trying to get in shape. I dropped 10 lbs and for the last 4 months I CAN NOT budge. I will be 50 tomorrow ...oh, this is the last day I can say that I am in my 40's. So, I am 49. ; ) I am also hoping that come warmer weather, I will start biking and walking more. citygirldc on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200615 Fri, 21 Mar 2014 02:34:18 +0000 citygirldc 1200615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Pastrygirl - I'll have to check that out. Thanks. pastrygirl on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200595 Fri, 21 Mar 2014 02:17:04 +0000 pastrygirl 1200595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ OK, does anyone else see the ad for Lift Weights Faster below my post? That's creepy... pastrygirl on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200588 Fri, 21 Mar 2014 02:13:41 +0000 pastrygirl 1200588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lifting weights works for me and I love it. It completely changed my metabolism. I just read about a new program today that sounds interesting -- Lift Weights Faster. It sounds like cardio through lifting. I do some of that already, but right now my focus is on building more muscle vs. losing fat. But I'd look into it if I wanted to lose more. Is being endorsed by some great people in the lifting world. Aquamarine on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200570 Fri, 21 Mar 2014 02:01:03 +0000 Aquamarine 1200570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can relate! This has been a beast of a winter. For me, lifting weights plus controlling the carbs seems to be the key to dropping a few pounds and trimming my middle. This is in addition to eating healthy and getting regular aerobic exercise. viva on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200409 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 22:46:33 +0000 viva 1200409@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I can relate too. I usually walk (with some running) very regularly but this winter just beat me down, and the last 6 weeks in particular I have been totally off my routine. And it shows. I'm working to get back into regular walking, and then I am going to work back into weights. You're not alone. catgirl on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200367 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 22:06:07 +0000 catgirl 1200367@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Er, yes. And gluten free hasn't done much for me - I realized I don't eat much gluten anyway... I don't know what to do about the belly flab. amiable on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200345 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 21:52:21 +0000 amiable 1200345@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was going to say to try lifting weights too (or body building of some sort - I prefer bodyweight body building, so that I don't have to have weights to lift), and trying not to change too much at once.   citygirldc on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200338 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 21:43:58 +0000 citygirldc 1200338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Suz - I think you're right about doing too many things at one time. I have a bad habit of doing that. Resistance is something I rarely do and I think it's finally time. Mo - I feel like we're both on the same wavelength.  It sounds like I need to find a good weight training plan or at least attempt some 2 days of upper and lower body weight training.  I've been reading up about muscle loss as we age and so this could be the possible answer.  Of course, I'll keep running too and keep track of my eating habits. Mo on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200318 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 21:32:03 +0000 Mo 1200318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ No one size fits all, but it's safe to say lifting weights is a good move if you're trying to lose fat.  I agree with Suz to take things slow and not overhaul everything overnight, expecting that to stick months down the road. I'm 44 in a few weeks and had my middle going soft over the last 6 months.  Hitting the weights only twice a week for the last month has finally moved the tape measure back to 27" on my waist.  I never stopped running, I usually eat moderately if not die hard health nut, the biggest change was those weights.   Good luck! Suz on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200277 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 20:34:23 +0000 Suz 1200277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My advice is some combination of the above. But mainly -- do not try to do too much change at once. Change ONE habit at a time.  If you decide to begin resistance training, begin resistance training and get into the habit of doing it. Don't try to change eight other things at the same time. Once you've built that habit, try another small change.  And also, continually ask yourself, what can I do in the next five minutes to get me closer to my goal?  citygirldc on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200257 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 20:11:40 +0000 citygirldc 1200257@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Rabbit - I'm usually pretty active except for these last few months.  Now that the weather is getting warmer, I'll definitely be biking into work (6 miles total),  take cardio classes (including TRXX) during the week, and run 3-4x a week, so it has to be my eating habits.   IronKurtin - I jave a feeling I'll need to get on the strength training wagon plus more protein. I also have to deal with a vegetarian husband which is good in a way but I don't get as much protein with beans.  I'll check out the paleo/primal since I'm a carb fiend, but I try to incorporate proteins with every meal when I can. ironkurtin on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200249 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 20:02:31 +0000 ironkurtin 1200249@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Unfortunately the same approach doesn't work for everyone.  I find being strict and building muscle works for me.  Try paleo/primal and some weight-lifting in addition to cardio is my advice. rabbit on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200241 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 19:56:15 +0000 rabbit 1200241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My weight has really fluctuated in the last 5 years as I got into the late 30's early 40's.  The things I tried to lose weight, didn't work much or for long (although they had other benefits).  Bursts of aerobic exercise and classes built muscle mass and energy, great! But did nothing for weight.  Being toned helped things fit better around the middle though and when skin was revealed looked better of course.   I tried lower carb for awhile and lost a little weight, but was so hard to stay consistent with it and it felt far too artificial.  I generally eat healthily, I'm a vegetarian and always default to salad at home if nothing more exciting is on offer.  Then two things changed, and now I'm down 20 pounds from a few months ago, without trying.  One, I took a bit of a hiatus from sit down studio work and started doing a lot of shopping/walking.   I got into couponing, so it meant I was visiting several stores and just buying a few very carefully considered grocery and drug store items after walking around all the aisles.  Then I started rehauling my wardrobe from thrift and off-price retailers, so again, lots of walking, lots of trying on, not much buying, little sitting.    I also sometimes skipped lunch since I was out and about so breakfast became more fruit and oatmeal so it kept me going longer, and dinner happened earlier.  Oh! and I got kittens, playing and cleaning up after them and taking them for 'walks' on a harness outside added much more varied movement to the day. Now I need to get back to the studio but I'm going to try standing and working much more often, and only sitting when I have to for delicate motor control.  I think for me the 'standing, walking, bending, lifting' continuum of movement throughout the day works better than anything else I've tried.  When I taught school and was standing on my feet all day, it was effortless to lose weight, in fact my challenge was getting enough food energy into my system given the lack of time for lunch and meal prep. kellygirl on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200227 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 19:43:48 +0000 kellygirl 1200227@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ugh, I can totally relate. I'll be 47 this year and I've noticed how much harder it is to lose weight once it's settled on to my waist. I'm trying to stay active and watch my diet but it is such SLOW going! Hang in there. You aren't alone :)  MsMaven on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200193 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 19:16:23 +0000 MsMaven 1200193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I almost could have written your post myself.  During the last six months it has been much easier to gain than to lose, and it all goes right around the middle.  I've been pretty good about keeping a food diary, but I think some of my counting is inaccurate.   I've been especially frustrated after eliminating wine (and all alcohol) and most sugar, but still don't lose.   Don't give up though.  It should get easier in the warmer weather. citygirldc on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200182 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 19:06:30 +0000 citygirldc 1200182@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ MaryK - I am keeping track since I've been on WW for the past 2 years but can't seem to make goal.  And with the recent gain, I can't seem to lose is as fast as I wanted to. I even overestimate the amount I'm eating.  Also, if I drink It's a glass of wine every other night and take that into account.   Jules on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200169 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 18:50:15 +0000 Jules 1200169@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hear ya... I was finally feeling ready to tackle recent weight gain (also to new areas than when I was younger), when some nice sincere ladies at work told me I have lost weight recently. In my face, mostly -  where I already have lots of fine lines TYVM. So my 40 year old body is apparently sending weight from my face to my back! I guess the upside is no diet if I choose front view over back  MsMary on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200168 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 18:49:39 +0000 MsMary 1200168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Honestly, the weight loss battle is won or lost in the kitchen more than in the gym.  Are you keeping track of what you eat?  There are all kinds of apps web sites to help with this, and it's a real eye-opener.  I find as I get older I have to be really careful because one or two glasses of wine, say, can wipe out the calories burned in even a super hard workout. citygirldc on "Weight gain vent/rant!!" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/weight-gain-ventrant#post-1200164 Thu, 20 Mar 2014 18:44:31 +0000 citygirldc 1200164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This winter was very bad on my waistline. I attempted to keep up with some activity,  but December and January were the hardest for me. I stayed in. I hibernated. I ate. I imbibed. I enjoyed.  And now, it's come back to haunt me.  My loose bf jeans are snugger. My tops are more fitted. It's quite a shocker to notice things not fitting right. It seems like the weight gain is focused on my bottom half more so than usual. Can anyone relate?  Someone told me that weight shifts to different places as you age. Just Great!!!  Now how am I going to wear my favorite pieces of clothing if they don't fit?  2 years ago I was at a great weight. I was active. I kept a food log.  I lost weight quickly.  But now I've gained a few ++ pounds,  and a reason why I haven't posted WIW outfits. So, I've gone back to exercising and taking a few classes, I'm training for a 10 miler, and so trying to watch what I eat (although still difficult). It's been 3 weeks but still no loss. 2 years ago the weight started coming off quick but this time it hasn't.  I'm frustrated, but not giving up.  Any advice to boost a slowing metabolism on 44 year old body?