Feeling Stuck With Weight Loss After 40? You're Not Alone

If you're a woman over 40 and feeling frustrated with stubborn weight, you're not imagining things. Even with normal thyroid function, your body is changing—and those changes can make weight loss feel harder than it used to be.

But here’s the good news: harder doesn’t mean impossible. With a smarter approach, you can feel stronger, energized, and more confident than ever.

Here’s why losing weight after 40 feels different—and what actually works now.

Hormones Shift and Change How Your Body Stores Fat

Starting in your 40s (and even before menopause), estrogen and progesterone levels begin to drop.  Lower hormone levels can lead to:

• Increased belly fat
• More frequent hunger and cravings
• A tougher time regulating insulin and blood sugar

Translation: Your body might be working harder to hold onto fat — but knowing why helps you work smarter.

Muscle Loss Slows Down Your Metabolism

By the time you hit your 40s, you're naturally losing muscle mass at a faster rate unless you’re strength training. Less muscle = a slower metabolism = fewer calories burned at rest.

Pro tip: Strength training 2–3 times per week is one of the BEST ways to support metabolism, strength, and longevity after 40.

Blood Sugars are Harder to Manage After 40

Even if your blood sugar numbers are still “normal,” your body handles carbs differently than it did in your 20s. You might notice more cravings, energy crashes, or stubborn weight gain around the middle. Balance blood sugar by:

• Prioritizing protein at meals and snacks
• Adding fiber-rich foods, like broccoli, raspberries and beans
• Pairing carbs with fats and proteins

Stress and Cortisol Sabotage Weight Loss

Life doesn't slow down in your 40s—and neither does stress.
Chronic stress raises cortisol, a hormone that:

• Increases belly fat storage
• Disrupts sleep
• Makes your body more resistant to weight loss

Managing stress is just as important as managing food and fitness when it comes to real, sustainable results.

Small Lifestyle Tweaks Make a Big Impact

The strategies that worked in your 20s (like skipping meals or endless cardio) probably aren't helping anymore.
Instead, focus on:

• Prioritizing protein and fiber at every meal
• Strength training at least twice per week
• Sleeping 7–8 hours most nights
• Eating enough—not just eating less

The goal isn’t to starve yourself smaller—it’s to fuel yourself stronger.

The Bottom Line: Your Body Isn’t Broken—It’s Evolving

Weight loss after 40 isn't impossible. It just requires a different strategy—one that honors the amazing things your body is doing right now.

And you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Ready for a New Approach to Health and Weight Loss After 40?

Work in a "judge-free zone" with a registered dietitian who understands you have a life beyond meal prepping.  Schedule a free discovery call today to get started.

Creatine is often thought of as a "gym supplement" for young bodybuilders, but research shows it can offer health benefits beyond the weight room — especially if you're in your 40s, 50s, or 60s.

Here's why you might want to add it to your wellness routine:

Top Health Benefits of Creatine

Muscle Strength and Preservation: As we age, we naturally lose muscle. Creatine helps preserve lean mass and makes it easier to stay strong (Source: Candow DG, Vogt E, Johannsmeyer S, Forbes SC, Farthing JP. "Strategic creatine supplementation and resistance training in healthy older adults." Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. 2015).

Faster Recovery: Whether you're walking, golfing, or lifting weights, creatine can help your muscles recover faster.

Brain Boost: Studies suggest creatine supports memory, focus, and mental stamina — important for staying sharp at any age (Source: Xu C, Bi S, Zhang W, Luo L. "The effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Frontiers in Nutrition. 2024).

Support for Chronic Conditions: Early research shows creatine may improve energy levels and function in people with Parkinson's, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

How to Use Creatine

• Type: Choose pure creatine monohydrate.  It is generally an unflavored powder and can be mixed with any beverage.
• Amount: Take about 3 to 5 grams daily.   Taking 4-5 grams of creatine daily for up to 18 months is generally considered safe.  Doses up to 10 grams daily for up to 5 years have been safely used.
• When: Anytime of day works — consistency is key.  If you are already drinking a post-workout protein, like whey isolate, just add it here.
• With or without loading?: A loading phase (higher dose for a week) isn't necessary for most people. A steady daily dose works well.
• Important: Drink enough water daily to stay hydrated!

Who Should Avoid Creatine?

Creatine is safe for most people, but a few groups should use caution:

• People with severe kidney disease
• Those who have trouble staying hydrated
• People with electrolyte imbalances
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women (due to lack of research)
• Teens should check with a health professional first

The Bottom Line

Creatine is one of the most researched supplements, budget-friendly in the world. For many people in midlife, it offers a safe, simple way to support strength, energy, and even brain health. If you want to live WELL Beyond, creatine might just be a smart addition to your healthy lifestyle plan.

Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

When it comes to preventing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, small steps can make a big impact. You don't have to overhaul your entire diet overnight. In fact, the most powerful changes often come from consistent, sustainable habits. Here are 7 simple nutrition habits that can help you stay on the path to long-term health.

1. Add protein to every meal.
Protein helps stabilize blood sugar, supports muscle mass, and keeps you feeling full. Include options like eggs, Greek yogurt, chicken, beans, or fish.

2. Fill half your plate with non-starchy vegetables.
Vegetables like leafy greens, peppers, cucumbers, cauliflower and broccoli are packed with nutrients, water and some are a good source of fiber to help steady your glucose and help manage cholesterol.

3. Swap refined carbs for whole grains.
Choose whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice instead of white bread, pasta, or pastries. They digest more slowly and help regulate blood sugar.

4. Limit added sugars (especially in drinks).
Cutting back on soda, sweet tea, flavored coffee, and juice can have a huge effect on your blood sugar and weight. Try sparkling water with citrus instead.

5. Eat healthy fats daily.
Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil support heart health and help keep you full.

6. Stay hydrated—with water.
It sounds simple, but dehydration can affect your blood pressure and energy levels. To start, aim for half your body weight in ounces of water each day.

7. Plan your meals and snacks.
A little prep goes a long way. Keeping balanced options on hand helps you avoid blood sugar crashes and last-minute fast food.

Start small—pick one or two habits to focus on and build from there. Prevention doesn't have to be perfect. It's about progress over time.

Take a big step towards prevention. Schedule a free discovery call with Mindy Musselman, Registered Dietitian & Diabetes Educator at wellmyway.com.

You don’t wake up one day with type 2 diabetes—it often develops slowly, and there are warning signs along the way. The good news? You can take action before it becomes a diagnosis.

Here’s what to look for and how to take control:

Common Signs You May Be at Risk:

• Constant fatigue
• Increased thirst or frequent urination
• Cravings or blood sugar crashes between meals leaving you sluggish
• Weight gain around the belly
• A family history of type 2 diabetes
• Bloodwork showing elevated A1C or fasting glucose (even slightly! Your insulin levels go up years before your glucose but that is rarely tested.)

What You Can Do:

1. Get tested. Ask your doctor or dietitian to check your fasting glucose, A1C, and insulin levels. Even if you “feel fine,” numbers tell the full story.

2. Watch your carb quality. Not all carbs are bad—but choosing more minimally processed beans, oats, fruits, and potatoes over ultra-processed white bread and sweets makes a big difference.

3. Balance your plate. Include lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber with every meal to help regulate blood sugar.

4. Move your body. Regular activity—even walking 15–30 minutes a day—can help your body use insulin more efficiently.

5. Manage stress and sleep. Chronic stress and poor sleep raise cortisol, which can negatively impact blood sugar and insulin resistance.

6. Work with a dietitian. Nutrition guidance tailored to your lifestyle, goals, and labs makes all the difference.

You’re not powerless. If you're on the road to diabetes, now is the time to take the wheel. Small changes today can prevent a diagnosis tomorrow.

Ready to take control? Schedule a free discovery call with Mindy Musselman, Registered Dietitian & Diabetes Educator at wellmyway.com.

There is something in our food that tastes good but is one of the biggest drivers of harmful inflammation.  It's sugar.  Especially added sugars. 

They sneak into sauces, condiments, "health" foods, breads and more.  Some is okay but the average American eats 17 teaspoons added sugar per day. The recommendation from the American Heart Association is 6 teaspoons (or 24 grams) a day for women and children and 9 teaspoons (or 36 grams) a day for men.  

On new nutrition labels, under "Total Carbohydrates" you will see Total Sugar and Added Sugar.  Start paying attention to the added sugar and add up your intake for at least one day to learn your daily added sugar intake.  

In the label above, you see that 2 bars has 9 grams added sugar.  So for a woman, thats 9 grams of your 24 grams goal for a day.  There are three sources of added sugar in this product listed in the ingredients:  cane sugar, honey and tapioca syrup.  Different sources but these are all essentially added sugar.

Enjoy added sugars in moderation.  It's not NO sugar, it's LESS sugar!

I have worked with many people taking injectable medications for blood sugar and/or weight loss.  I have seen positive outcomes and negative side effects.  Truly, it does seem that every BODY has a different experience on these medications, like semaglutide, brand name Ozempic.  Consider these factors before you start a weight loss medication:

• This is only the beginning.  These medications have been around many years for diabetes, but in recent years have been rebranded at higher doses for weight loss.  There are more of these medications, with added agents like glucagon, coming to market soon.  Since the widespread use of them is relatively new, time will still tell how people who take them do in the long run with keeping weight off.
• Fast weight loss isn't always good weight loss. Those who have struggled to lose weight might like the promise of being less hungry and having less cravings.  What's not to love?!  But, when someone loses weight quickly, for instance more than 10 pounds in a month, it is likely a larger percent of total weight lost is from muscle than if they lost weight at a slower pace.  With. weight loss, there is some lean muscle decrease, but the degree is lower with slower weight loss.  Muscle is vital for metabolism, longevity, strength and recovery after illness.  While the body will fill fat cells endlessly given enough energy, muscle cells do not increase as easy.  Do not take losing muscle lightly!
• You might have to be on the medication for a long time or forever.  Talk to your doctor about what will happen if you want to go off the medication and be okay with the fact that your appetite and some weight will come back if previous eating habits return and physical activity does not increase.    
• If you can accept that there are risks to any medication, that keeping the weight off is not guaranteed and that strength training is vital to long-term success, you are more likely to succeed with weight loss medications. 

I always keep these items on hand to make quick, healthy meals for fall.  Here are a few ideas to use these staple items:

A registered dietitian can help you plan healthier meals.  Work with a dietitian one-on-one with convenient virtual visits.

• Add 1/2 can pumpkin puree and a dash of cocoa powder to your chili recipe to thicken the sauce and add a depth of flavor.
• Add drained, rinsed canned chickpeas and roasted pumpkin seeds to salads for added protein,  fiber and magnesium.
• Combine cooked chickpea pasta with fire roasted tomatoes, great northern beans, parmesan cheese and spinach.  Top with a little pesto sauce.
• Make overnight oats with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, vanilla protein powder and pecans. 

Depending on your nutrition goals, of course both are important, but I recommend you look at one of them first. 

When you start paying attention to food labels, your eye tends to go to certain things on the nutrition facts label, perhaps sugar or protein.  If the nutrients you care about check out ok, you might buy it.  However, I recommend you get in the habit of looking at ingredients first.

If the ingredients are mostly items you recognize, continue on to check the nutrition facts.  If both ingredients and nutrition facts check out, win-win!

While foods at the grocery store are sold with ingredients generally recognized as safe, or GRAS, it is important that your entire diet isn't made up of ultra-processed foods.  So, take a look at your shopping cart and see if you chose more ultra-processed items (like cereal, crackers and canned soup) than minimally processed items (like eggs, oats and apples).  

Learn more about label reading for your health goals.

We live in a world of convenience and sometimes to our own detriment.  We will have some more highly processed foods in our diet and that's okay.  Here's an example of a meal that's mostly minimally processed with a little highly processed food

• Quick lunch: apple, peanut butter, carrot sticks, beef jerky and a ready to drink protein shake  

Convenience foods can save time and are handy for travel, but they've become the norm and not the exception.  Work towards eating a larger portion of minimally processed foods on a daily basis.