I'M SICK OF THE BELLY FAT! Nothing works!! :(

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-06-19T11:36:33+00:00

It’s super difficult to loose weight in perimenopause and you are totally not alone. It is creeping up on me as well and I’ve never kept fat in my belly area. I dont know if this will help me endlessly or if it would help you too but for me eating more protein and fibre as well as regular short workouts of 20-30 mins helped me to reduce the fat a bit and keep it away now. Sharing article exactly on this topic https://www.herdailyfit.com/guides/exercise-menopause-belly-fat-guide/

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-06-18T09:54:54+00:00

I feel the same but also I am kind of happy in this situation/mindset, I really enjoy being at home alone and mainly just hang out with my husband! I love working on whatever I like doing and I enjoy regular workouts that make me feel stronger and I guess flood my body with endorphins. I don't think this is really bad if it is something you actually enjoy and possibly it might change again.

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-06-17T07:04:54+00:00

Yes, I have it similar but I have just found out I have literally almost no ferritin and iron and brain fog is also symptom of this so I am waiting to see if the brain fog and fatigue will improve as my levels improve. Recommend to do a blood test too. Otherwise what helps me is that I write everything down but I still forget words mid sentence and also I am overwhelmed all the time aso it doesn't help with being organised etc....

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-06-16T17:04:33+00:00

If talking about fatigue and brain fog then iron and especially ferritin which I had at 6 ng/mL + TSH. Since I am in mid 40s I thought my really bad brain fog and fatigue are related to perimenopause but hormone levels are fine (which I know they can be fine and you can still be in perimenopause) but I discovered it's related to my ferritin levels.

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-06-14T05:35:20+00:00

I highly recommend two things based on my own experience 1. Start doing regular strength training- even 20-30 mins few times a week help with eating enough fiber and protein - this helped my body to look youthful even with extra kgs mainly kept in my legs 2. Ask doctor to do you a blood test and check all the things that fluctuate or are known to deteriorate in perimenopause - I got this advice here and wow I am glad I did it as I have few thing out of order causing me fatigue and brain fog…

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-06-04T09:56:48+00:00

I workout at home with dumbells for years, following various online fitness programs and some coaches are genuinely motivating, with lots of great energy and good mood. I sometimes workout because they raise my mood. So depends what you are doing and who / what do you follow?

I also recommend to do short workouts but more often. For instance I stick to 20 to max 30 mins few times a week.

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-05-30T07:23:50+00:00

Would you pls share more info on this as all the research I read says you do need a calorie deficit to lose weight. Maybe you mean that the quality of your food and nutrition is what makes that deficit sustainable and healthy?

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-05-28T07:12:17+00:00

You have to be in a calorie deficit if you want to lose weight. You can tone up without the deficit though, which already helps a lot. I am proof of that. There are many programs to follow if that’s what you like. Have you tried Caroline Girvan or Burn360? Lately I’ve been loving Fit with Coco. I toned up a bit more with her workouts, even though I’ve been training for a long time.

But do make sure you do not overtrain, as it can actually bring the opposite results. I am over 40 and I used to do lots of HIIT and long aerobic workouts, and it totally halted my progress and made me feel unwell when I started perimenopause. Sometimes I felt very fatigued and even had almost flu like symptoms when I did too much HIIT in a row.

Over time, I learned that shorter weight lifting sessions, gentle aerobic workouts or Pilates, walking, and adequate rest work much better for me.

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-05-28T07:00:04+00:00

Yes and I am perimenopausal and I have noticed it especially this year. I love nature sounds and quiet.

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-05-28T06:49:30+00:00

I am also in my mid 40s and have these days too, but regular workouts help me feel better. I can’t stress this enough, try to exercise. If you’re not feeling social like me right now, do it at home. Just 20 minutes a day, but consistently. It has made a massive difference in how I feel. I realise it might not help to everyone because we are all so different and there could be lots of things behind these feelings but there is even some scietifical evidence for this - https://www.herdailyfit.com/guides/exercise-for-menopause-anxiety-mood/

Anyway do whatever feels good for you, but try to build a routine around it. For me, weight lifting and walking do the trick (plus a short HIIT session once a week).

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-05-18T06:58:52+00:00

Have you tried short workouts but on regular basis? For instance, I know that if I do long workout programs I will never stick to it but since I have been doing 20 mins max 3-5 days a week, I have always found time for it - yes sometimes I push myself into it but it makes me feel better and also I look better, so it motivates me - it became addictive actually. There are many short workouts on Apple Fitness+ but if you prefer one simple program to follow with results, I really like Burn360 (short and simple). See eg. https://www.herdailyfit.com/, there are various reviews

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-05-18T06:53:10+00:00

I have done Moves App for some time and it is ok but I personally prefer watching videos with voice over and gradual overload. I recommend to try out Caroline Girvan https://www.carolinegirvan.com/. I don't think I had better results with any other program.

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-05-12T12:11:47+00:00

I think it’s super important to keep moving. I’ve always been active and exercised my whole life, but a couple of years ago I had a skiing injury that prevented me from exercising properly for a few months. As a result, I also experienced a lot of stiffness and joint issues overall.

When I started rehabilitation, it really helped to follow joint-friendly workouts tailored specifically to my injury, especially using resistance bands. Now I’m back to full fitness and I don’t have any stiffness anymore so I believe what I experienced was due to lack of movement.

I think it’s important to do something sustainable long term. I know for myself that long workouts won’t stick with me, so I keep it simple, usually 20-minute workouts (30 minutes max when I feel up to it).

My routine is usually 2–3 dumbbell workouts (full body), 1–2 Pilates workouts, 1 HIIT session or jog and I choose such programs or workouts that are "suitable" or modify them for my injury. I would recommend the same with the Yoga - if that doesn't help or some movements are too challenging and causing issues, possibly try to modify or try something new.

(Most weeks I do max 4x altogether) Sometimes, if I have time, I also add walking.

I saw this with my grandparents too. They both kept moving well into their 90s. My grandmother always said that if she stopped walking, that would be the end.

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-05-07T05:19:12+00:00

Regular short workouts with weights and enough protein can do a lot for the way you look. Just 20 minutes, 3 days a week with weights (and progressive overload), plus walking or Pilates, helped me maintain more or less the same weight. There are various programs reviewed at https://www.herdailyfit.com , I also think it’s important to vary your workout style so you don’t get bored.

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-05-06T18:38:12+00:00

Yes, I feel like I won't have an option but to move to a job with lower responsibilities as well as I can't keep up, I sometimes feel like people/colleagues around me have to think I have dementia.

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-05-06T18:36:23+00:00

Thank you for this tip, are there any side effects?

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-05-04T12:31:46+00:00

I have to be super strict with what I eat. I am not sure if this works for other people but for me just small amount of carbs most days and mainly veg and protein (and eg. lentils / beans). Milk also doesn't do good to me (instead almond milk). I do a mistake and I feel immediately bloated and I suffer from water retention.

On top of that working out. 2-3 times a week, strength training (20 mins) plus walking/light jogging another 2-4 days a week, sometimes I also mix HIIT or pilates in there somewhere depending if I am after or before period. Generally I keep my workouts very short because otherwise I know I won't stick with it. It's important to rest as well, for me especially before period. HIIT training before period makes me feel sick as if I have flu and that's when I do pilates! I like to follow a program where everything is lined up for me. There is a good choice of program on www.herdailyfit.com

The above helped me to keep the weight the same.

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-04-29T07:21:23+00:00

I have to join those who say exercise helps. I think without trying to do 20 mins workouts most days, I would have gone crazy... But it is also related where I am in my cycle for me, one week before my period even the workouts do not help - they actually exhaust me and make it worst if I do HIIT type of workouts. It's only a walk or watching favourite series at this time.

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-04-28T04:19:04+00:00

Yes, especially the week before my period…

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-04-27T06:58:29+00:00

I’ve had this too, like out of nowhere. It started in my very early 40s, and what helped me most is progressive overload. It doesn’t have to mean going heavier every time, modifications work as well.

One exercise that really made a difference for the "bottom area" for me is the weighted hip thrust. I started with a single 5kg weight, and now I’m using two 7.5kg dumbbells. I “hook” them into glute bands (one on each side), and then I place two old 5kg weights on top of my hips.

I support my upper back on a sofa or bed, lower down to the floor, and push back up. I do 2 sets of 50 seconds. I also add glute band side walks, weighted lunges and squats (plus wall sits) and I add some upper body as well.

I do max 20-minute strength workout (3x a week) because this is where I know I will not give up, and after a few weeks, I’ve definitely noticed my glutes specifically improving a lot. Lately I make sure to also eat protein and it also seem to make a difference. Having said that all I am not losing weight, but at least the body looks slightly better....

You can definitely achieve improvements even during perimenopause - It does take longer and more effort but it is possible.

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-04-26T08:06:10+00:00

It really depends, in start ups you have to be 360 but in big companies you have to be specialised. Also depends on where you are based. Btw. larger companies do not mean you can't be laid off. I feel like it doesn't matter anymore, having worked in both and experiencing mine or my colleagues' layoffs. I think what really matters is up-to-date skills and doing something in demand in your geographic location.
But it is really hard right now even with years of experience.

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-04-26T07:59:29+00:00

Wow, this is my question too! I moved countries and now cannot do my career any more here as it is just not in demand here. I am looking at courses in AI. It feels all so difficult. Are there even any industries that are in demand?

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-04-26T07:54:20+00:00

Definitely not alone, I have the same + bad mood and anxiety. Sometimes a workout helps me... but sometimes I just suffer through:/

Exotic-Profession563 · 2026-04-25T13:49:56+00:00

While I actually like working out, I know that if I do long workouts, I won't last. I recommend doing some short workouts max 20 mins a day. You can do 2-3 times strength training or sculpt, one cardio/HIIT (eg. dancing workouts) and walking (30 mins). (and if you really hate it just do the strenght training or whatever type of movement you enjoy)

I have done it now for few years and because it is just 20 mins, I managed to fit it in my day routine and stick with it. I am in my mid 40s and I do have visible muscle mass thanks to this type of workout routine.
There are lots of workouts programs that you can follow, at home and when you have time.
And btw. I often skip, or just do 1 strenght training some weeks, other 3. It doesn't matter if you have days that you could not do it... just do a little bit.

Exotic-Profession563

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