Attack of the killer expanding waistline!

[nancy324]

I never seem to follow the norm. I struggled with my weight in my twenties, was slimmer in my thirties, and became downright tiny (so I'm told) in my forties. I'm not bragging, but in my forties, I could eat a quart of ice cream almost every night and never gain an ounce, and I started wearing a size 2 and even some zeros for the first time in my life.

So, here I am in my early fifties, with a lovely wardrobe if I do say so myself, and suddenly, nothing fits! My waist looks swollen. Now, not only can't I wear my size 2s, my 4s and 6s don't fit me either. I haven't changed what I'm eating or how I'm exercising. I've always been a pretty clean eater with ice cream being my primary weakness. I've been researching on the internet and it's possible it may be caused by IBS, caused by stress. It could be hormones, but it seems a bit sudden for that. I thought the effects of hormones were gradual? I'm going to have to spend the weekend buying bigger clothes, and I am not happy about it.

Has anyone had anything like this happen to them? I really need to know what's going on so I can know whether this is temporary or permanent, and shop accordingly. Any insights or comments are most welcome!

 

[pugw]

Hi Nancy,

I don't have any answers for you. I just wanted to give you a

. I'm experiencing something similar but I know the reason for my recent expansion.

I hope you find the answer soon. Have you had a good physical recently? I think I'd probably start there and tell your physician what's going on.

 

[nancy324]

Thanks so much, Rhondalyn. Yes, I scheduled a check-up with my doc for October. I'm very interested in hearing what she has to say.

 

[NinjaMom]

AWWW Nancy~

I'm glad to hear you are checking in with your doctor just as a precaution. I'm 47 and have noticed my waist getting thicker too. My pants still fit but that top button is a little tighter

Keep us posted.

JJ

 

[Annabelle2]

50 here and am have been experiencing this since last year. At first it was eating but I have been eating approx 90% clean for 2008 and diligently exercising, not getting results I want. I have been trying different things and my next step is to consult a nutritionist. I have tried a LOT of things and now about there is left is to see if I have developed some food allergies......

 

[Mckmain]

Hi Nancy...I have experienced this too. Although I have lost the weight I put on in the last 2 years my body shape has apparently changed. I am 49 and I just figure it is hormones. I was going through some jeans and I found the ones that fit a couple if years ago now fit different although I am the same weight. The waist is a bit tight and the legs are looser??? Go figure....I am hoping I can get my waist back to what it was with a few more months of very clean eating, I am with you on not wanting to have to buy new clothes!!!

 

[KrazyforTris]

I'm only 44 & this is happening to me right now. I, too, am going to see my doctor at the end of October.

But I am also changing things up in my diet & exercise. I'm doing heavier weights, only 30 minute HIIT sessions, eating INSANELY clean & abstaining from alchohol. This week I've got 3 lbs that have come off. It's only been a week so I can't say that this is a trend.

 

[nancy324]

Congratulations, Krazy!
I'd love to hear what the nutritionist says Annabelle.
My shape has changed too, Carole.

I'm glad I'm not alone. By the way, the "killer" part of the title referred to my poor wardrobe, which has essentially been killed off.

I've spent so much time shopping for new clothes this weekend, I think I may be losing weight from all the activity. Seriously, though, thank goodness for Eileen Fisher and her unstructured, flowy, drapey clothes, and for all the sales going on in the stores. Without them, I'd be wearing my sweats to work.

 

[Havingfun]

expanding midsection

Hi,

I just turned 49 and 2 years ago I had my first fight with midsection bulge. It just kind of crept up on me and I kept looking in the mirror and if I sucked it in, it still looked OK. One day I finally realized it was internal fat

To initially get it off, I worked REALLY hard; heavy weights, low carbs, and more protein. I eat 95% clean and watch everything I put into my mouth. I don't have cheat days, or even meals. I'm not suggesting this is for everyone, but I just don't want it after having to work so hard. I'm not afraid to really change up my workouts and this seems to work for me. I weight train more and do less cardio, but I still do cardio 3-4 days a week. I think body weight exercises have made the difference for me. I try to cycle my workouts and I stick with some principle or theory for 3-4 months then make a change. I take a month or so maintenance break in between then start again. This keeps my body guessing and keeps me motivated.

My son, who is 19 now gave me the best advice a couple of years ago, when I complained that I wasn't making much progress. He said, "You don't have goals". I now base my workouts on performance goals; run a little faster, do a few more push/or pull ups, etc. etc. This has energized my workouts and helped keep me from just going through the motions, which I think is easy to do when you train at home.

I'm not ready to give into the midsection bulge yet and I do think it is managable with smart training, dedication, and honesty

Tracy

 

[delfinn]

Well, I'm going to be 47 on Thursday (can't believe it), and I've noticed this as well. I think it comes down to changing hormones, changing metabolism... getting older. I've got a friend who has managed to maintain her thin waist, but she severely restricts her calories and eats insanely cleanly. I enjoy cooking and baking... and eating everything in moderation. I think at some point you have to make a choice between eating somewhat normally, and having some tummy, or really limiting your calories to get that thin waist. Just my two cents, but I'm very curious what your doctor will say about it!!

 

[Sunshine1528]

I'm right there with ya Nancy - had the same issue hit me about 2 years ago at 48 yrs old.

No major changes other than tons of stress at that time but even after the stress factor left the lbs remained.

Prior to that I could watch my eating for a week and drop 5 lbs. Now even eating 1200 very clean calories and exercising like a maniac I can only drop a couple lbs in a few weeks time. Then I get tired of being so strict.

This year I put the pedal to the medal and have been quite diligent in trying various things for a few months at a time. When I am "good" and watch my carbs and wine I can go down a few lbs and flatten up the "pooch". If I vary at all it comes right back.

I have changed up my exercise patterns a few times and though my weight has remained pretty steady (about 5 lbs gained 2 years ago) I have seen some leaning and definition in my legs and UB. I'm good with that, but wish the added fluff would disappear.

BUT, for me it means my eating habits and though I probably eat about 90 - 95% clean, 100 just isn't in the cards if I want to enjoy a few things.

I did have blood work done to check for thyroid but that is not a problem so just figuring it is hormones. That being said, some ladies have mentioned that once menopause was complete, they dropped the extra weight. I have my fingers crossed I can follow in that direction !

Hope you can figure something out - I know you have been posting here and there about it and completely understand how frustrating it is !

 

[DB1]

I can really relate to what you are going through. I am 43 years old and my mid section is as thick as it has ever been!! I have always had a big bubble butt, and now I have the gut to match!!!

I was on celexa for a few years for panic attack issues which seemed to make me crave the bad carbs like crazy. God help the soul who was in the way between me and the bag of chips. I gained about 8lbs. on celexa. I got off of it back in June and have actually gained even more weight!!!! I went and had blood work done to see if my thryroid or anything else was way off kilter, and everything came back normal. So, I guess it's aging and hormones and genetics that are kicking my butt (and gut) at this time in my life. I think some of us just have to accept the cards we have been dealt and do the best we can.

Hang in there Nancy and keep us posted.