Shocking truth about menopause weight gain & how to lose belly fat

[@wendywertz8828]

Screw cardio ! I started weightlifting at 54 and my fat is melting and I can finally see muscle !

[@LMfromBakutoUK]

Can I do weight lifting if I have varicose veins an week back?

[@mandakinimachiraju]

I’ve noticed that good fats have stopped my hunger. I also notice carbs processed carbs are now harder for me to digest

[@chrystalthornton1502]

Thanks for the good info. I was a calorie restricting cardio girl in my 40's and it worked great. Then menopause hit me around 1994 and it just didn't work anymore even though I kept trying and trying. My muscles have practically disappeared and being this weak scared me so have begun to strength train now and bump up the protein. Let me just say it is awful what gravity does to your body as you age so the sooner a woman can get on strength training the better.

[@MelissaNeill]

Very well said! Thank you for the comment!

[@aristeakriki9326]

I'm afraid this shocking true cannot be put into practice by a lot of women who have spine and neck issues. Any suggestions for the underprivileged ones, please?

[@LMfromBakutoUK]

​@@MelissaNeillCan I do weight lifting if I have varicose veins an week back?

[@mycreativeheart4159]

@@aristeakriki9326 It is possible to start resistance training with bands and work up to weight lifting.... even if you have physical restrictions and limitations. If you have never worked with resistance band or weights... look for a personal trainer in your area that works with disabled or deconditioned people. Phone them and conduct an interview of sorts... so you know you are getting someone who can meet your needs. You'll need someone who can adapt and modify exercises for your specific abilities or limitations. There are also good videos on YT for modifications... but you need to figure out on your own ....if you can do the exercises or not.... without hurting yourself! Mark Wildman has a good series for overweight and deconditioned people.

[@aristeakriki9326]

@@mycreativeheart4159 I actually have fibromyalgia and even the resistance bands didn't work for me. They only worsened my condition. However, I will watch M.Wildman's videos and thank you very much for your advice and your time!

[@nanzilla3000]

So grateful to get this advice from someone who has actually lived through menopause instead of a man or a younger woman telling us to eat less and cardio more. It simply doesn’t work. You are so inspiring! I’m 43 and hitting perimenopause hard. My body has changed so rapidly and none of this extra fat will budge, and I eat less than my children. I would much rather try your method and see what happens! Thank you so much for this video, I am feeling reinvigorated and like there is hope after all!

[@MelissaNeill]

you're not alone, sending hugs your way!

[@milenachisco4822]

Nancy i just hit 43 and hitting perimenopause, i am gaining weight for no reason. Let me know how it goes. I am starting also.

[@sunitamay123]

@@MelissaNeill Have you happened to have a Diastasis recti?

[@karlascott3569]

I just turned 57. I’m struggling with the expanding middle. I’m also struggling with motivation but I want to give this everything I got. Thank you!

[@katzzz3355]

I’m 60, retired two years ago and took a part time job dog walking. I walk about 10k a day. Before the big bug, I was a regular at the gym. I miss the strength training and I want to get back to it. Thanks for the encouragement!

[@micheleapplewhaite2923]

This is a God send! It happened to be on my feed. I am glad I listened in. I was getting a bit depressed. I've gained so much weight over time since hitting 42. I am now 48. Everything you said hit home. I am committing to changing course with your advice. Looking forward to some results. Need all the motivation I can get!

[@alices726]

Finally found someone who knows what they’re talking about… I’m 70 I have had 9 natural births I’ve exercised since my 20’s and after every child… I’ve also had DR with a 6 cm gap.. I did a program and it down to 1cm… I have a bladder prolapse and a Hiatal hernia.. I’m 53kg.. and when I asked my doctor what is this mid section fat that I just seem to shift she said you just have to accept it it’s age related… well me being me I struggled with that and I am still determined to beat it… So a big thank you to you.. you have made me determined that I will keep fighting this..

[@ambergulley403]

It's my 43rd birthday today and watching this is making me feel really great about everything. Thank you again for another great video!

[@MelissaNeill]

Happy Birthday! 🎉

[@ambergulley403]

@@MelissaNeill thank you 😊

[@mariaterezadosanjosferreir4703]

I have been battling since 2010 after my menopause. So glad that I found this channel. It all makes sense. I turned 65 2 weeks ago and this year is the year that I take back control of my health

[@MelissaNeill]

Claim it, yes!

[@vickigonya9432]

Me too!!! Former Triathlete: I've been sicker this past winter than at any other point in my life!!! I told a friend of mine I was done being on this earth. Not suicidal, but definitely not fighting to live should the situation dictate. He squared his shoulders at me, looked sternly at me, paused, and then said ," WHERE IS THAT TRIATHLETE ?!" It shook me somehow. But motivated me in a way nothing else ever has!!! It's determination, discipline, blocking out the noise, dumping the distractions, and just do it!!!

[@waynesmith4589]

Great video, I’m an 8hr a week 60 yr old male cyclist 🚴🏽‍♂️ very cardiovascular and it does keep my total body weight very low, but as the years have gone by I started to get more fat around the middle and a loss of muscle, this prompted me to add 5 x 10 reps mod/heavy deadlifts twice a week to my programme and 3 months later I’m actually a little heavier but look and feel much better, and I’m glad to say the belly fat has all but gone.

[@bellatindale3120]

I'm 60 and started strength training two years ago and having amazing results... It's very enjoyable too. Thanks for your channel Melissa,cit's so inspirational - I love it ❤

[@cynthiagalvan837]

Hi 👋. I am turning 59. I was wondering with your results that you see . Do you take any HRT?

[@heyitsnae4156]

I have just entered menopause and have been struggling with weight gain. I go to the gym and actually do strength training, and just started doing sprints walking 1 min running 1 min because I noticed I burned more calories. I wanted someone to tell me what to eat and how to work out. I want to thank you for giving us this information for free being a woman that has gone through what we are going through with results.

[@marianb2530]

I am glad you made this video. I have gained over 20 lb in the past 13 years. I stopped weighing myself, and that was a mistake! I'm going to weigh myself every Monday morning, no clothes on. Not every day... I think I did better with controlling my weight when I saw the numbers. I am around your age.

[@awhite8247]

I’m now 48 and perimenapause, and noticed weight gain at 45. So I changed my diet completely, started doing SIT/isometric training (can’t do weights anymore due to overuse injuries to right arm), and hypopressives. It’s been a slow process, but I’m now 33lbs lighter and reasonably toned. I was curious when I saw you video pop up on my KZbin feed, as to whether your advice was similar to what I have already been doing. And it is! So I’m really pleased I’m doing it correctly. I wish I could do weights again but the pain it causes in my right arm can be debilitating. I’m glad there are people like yourself, Melissa, that care enough, and are generous enough, to share you advice and experiences so that others may benefit. Many thanks.

[@carmenm.478]

I'm 56 also and mid fat is the hardest to lose. I love your advice, can't thank you enough.

[@ragetobe]

You cannot lose weight in specific locations, you can only lose weight over your whole body, however your belly will be last to lose that bit that’s left over.

[@heidilee5312]

Thank you for this! I’m 55 and post menopausal. I appreciate your comment about HRT. I’ve been on HRT for about 3 years and struggling with about 20 pounds that I cannot shake. I know that doesn’t sound like a big deal to most people but I’m only 5’0, so for me that’s a lot. I’ve had to buy new clothes and I and I have zero energy. This video has given me hope. I feel really motivated to try a new workout routine.

[@MelissaNeill]

You got this! 🤗

[@TheDegeus]

the zero energie changed for me when i took two or three dates a day in de morning, and two teaspoons apple cider vinigar Bragg in a glas of water two times a day. Energie is back and more.

[@ladyc9188]

Melissa gives awesome fitness advice. I’m using her weight lifting videos in my regimen and my body composition is changing over time.

[@MelissaNeill]

That is awesome!

[@susanbaumgardner642]

Working on these ‘tips and tricks’. I have a foot injury that has set me back. Definitely putting more thought into my food while I heal. Love the videos!

[@MatelynAlicia]

I'm 45, and I remember being able to look in the mirror long enough to lose weight! Lol...that day has past, so I'm really excited about trying out the things you've suggested! Thank you so very much for sharing what you've learned!! Blessings!

[@wendywertz8828]

I upped my protein big time and increased calories by 500 and I’m losing fat ! Don’t starve yourself !

[@TS-xz3he]

It really makes a huge difference. I've started doing the same thing a few weeks ago. I unsuccessfully attempted fasting and gained a lot of weight.

[@leighs4842]

Was it just protein and vegetables. I'm struggling trying to lose 15lbs

[@LoveDandD]

Thanks Melissa, I love your great advice for women going through peri to meno...I was always fit and exercised regularly up until late 40's, then bloody peri hit hard😐and out of nowhere it seemed cardio stopped working and the silly belly pouch happened. Losing my job in the pandemic did not help w motivation. But over the last year I turned 50 and have re-adjusted my thinking on this new era.. I am positively inspired to go into this next phase with gratitude, energy, strength, happiness and health!! I also have regular talks w friends of same age and we cheer each other on. I am of Greek heritage so follow a mostly Mediterranean diet which also helps keep me on a healthy path. I do believe results are happening slowly but surely!! I find lots of stretching and core work helpful and I love walks in nature. Will work on getting into heavier weights next and love those mini sprints u mentioned. Thx!!! ❤💯💝

[@autumng153]

You are such a lovely woman . BEAUTIFUL, STRONG & KNOWLEDGABLE . Thank you for sharing all this !

[@MelissaNeill]

Thank you!

[@MariaBrinks25]

The weight gain scares me but it also upsets me So Much!! Why does mother nature punish us for what? What did we do wrong??? It's not fair we don't deserve to gain weight just because we hit a certain age 😭😭😭 a lot of us have been trying so hard to lose the belly fat way before menopause like myself I appreciate so much you teaching us and helping us how to fight this 🙏🏻 it makes me feel more thankful and it makes me so sad too for women of past generations that didn't have you to the internet to teach them how to combat the horrible effects of aging, nobody deserves to gain weight just because of them turning a certain age it's not fair and it's not right ! Everyone of us deserves to have the beautiful body we desire at any age 💃💪🏻

[@yardleyj9391]

I'm 56. My regimen is HIIT, strength training. But I also feast and fast. I also do one meal a day. I am able to keep my weight in check. I've always been on the skinny spectrum and when menopause hit at age 52, weight gain, sparked by the lockdown, became an issue.

[@jburton8594]

Thank you so much for this practical and inspiring advice. I am 53 and have been lifting heavy for almost two months and eating healthfully, cutting back on sugar, alcohol etc.; I've gained muscle with that consistency but I wasn't losing any fat. I have seen a noticeable loss of some fat in just a couple of weeks since I started eating 120-140 grams of protein like you recommend. It seems like "too much" food on some days - I've never eaten this much protein in my life - but I'm still able to have a decent calorie deficit on days that I lift and walk. And I feel much better, overall, more energetic, focused, and determined to keep it going. :)

[@janetgordon2484]

Thank you for your channel. I'm turning 50 in 7 month's time, and boy, the extra weight gain came out of nowhere. I've started weight training and checking my gut health. Thank you very much. You look great.

[@Champagne4loulou]

Thank you Melissa, you've given me confidence to tackle those menopausal annoyances

[@MelissaNeill]

Hang in there! I hope everything gets better. ❤️

[@danielle5299]

Thank you for revealing your process and for going into detail and explaining each component for getting fit, nutrition, stress and hormones. Most videos fish me in and never get to the good stuff. They make you pay for any info. You have completely motivated me and reassured me that what I am doing is on the right track. I appreciate your energy and your knowledge! I will be checking out your videos. Thanks a million.😊

[@ale7564]

So, the “calorie in, calories out” mantra is finally kaput. Can we finally recognize that the type of calories and the type of output means something? Thanks for this direct and informative video.

[@linsuggs3183]

This information is helpful after a complete hysterectomy it's hard to find something that would help my health journey Thank you.

[@jessicaburns2691]

I was literally thinking about this all day and you popped up on my feed. I’m turning 42 in May and this just hit me like a truck. I felt like I was putting on weight by the day!!!! I eat really clean but I do miss meals so I’m going to work on that and protein, going to try herbal stuff for the estrogen and progesterone….. the working out part will be the hardest but I’m going to commit ♥️ thank you for this valuable help and the link 🥰

[@RedactedATS]

I have just started a strength training programme in last 2 weeks. Treated myself to a couple months of a personal trainer once a week to get me moving. We'll see how it goes.. 😂

[@grettelgolson2257]

I’m excited to try to lose the last 10 pounds I have not been able to get rid of my belly fat, Thank you for sharing the wealth you are so inspirational 💕

[@lmusima3275]

This is great information ℹ️ before I turned 40 I noticed extra belly fat. I could never get the flat stomach I once had in my teens, twenties and thirties. I have fibroids and ended up in hospital due to severe anaemia. I gained a couple of kilos eating whatever I wanted and attempted cardio exercises. At my heaviest I weighed 78kgs. I began combining weights and resistance training along with a higher protein diet. I’m now down to 67kgs

[@MelissaNeill]

❤️❤️

[@Sugerbag]

Im 47 and struggling with my weight. Im 220 something pounds and drinking like a pirate. I hope to quit someday and be focused like you. Iknow i would never be that great but at least i wanna lose some pounds. You look awesome by the way. Keep going

[@MelissaNeill]

You can do it! I hope you try to start soon!

[@Sugerbag]

Thanks Meĺissa

[@lisaproustresearch]

What a great video ! I no longer have the patience to listen to any video without skipping parts & moving the cursor to accelerate the message but your tone of voice, cadence & overall delivery made me want to listen to every word you say Thank you very much for posting :)

[@MelissaNeill]

Glad you liked it! ❤️

[@islandgirl8914]

I started strength training and eating better. Starting to see my belly go down.

[@patrice7p]

Thank God I found you! Subscribed 😊 I really want to get fit . I am 46, now is the time to start. Thank you for sharing all this information and inspiration. 🥰

[@MelissaNeill]

You got this!

[@RosesOfSaturn]

Thanks for the info..I am 35 and went through surgical menopause. Ever since I have been gaining weight regardless of what I do so I have just accepted it at this point

[@acgallan]

Same here. Did my surgery at 40 and was fine for the first year as I was hiking 45 minutes each day. Then COVID hit and things changed. I started going to the gym and lifting weights at home these last few weeks and am seeing a difference in composition already. I also walk my dog 20 minutes each day for a bit of cardio. Since I had a total hysterectomy they removed the ovaries too, and I am on bio identical hormones. It helps protect the brain, heart and bones. Just got to keep up with my fitness and nutrition. No diets here, just sensible lifestyle. I wish you all the best and hope that you can find a good lifestyle that works for you. Take care and be well.

[@catherinebabisha6818]

i love the idea of weight training rather than so much cardio ! ive taught at the ymca 10 years and ran and biked constantly for 35 years , i am 56 like you and need to do the weight s more thanks !!

[@allyfrasier6306]

I really enjoyed your video, thank you! Your manner is SO warm, kind, helpful realistic and yes, you simply made me feel a positive energy, thank you!

[@MelissaNeill]

You are so welcome!

[@crystaldixon1554]

Awesome advice! Kind and encouraging manner. Thank you! We ( my sister 53, 56, 59) are going for it!

[@MelissaNeill]

You got this!

[@africanqueenbee]

Looking beautiful Melissa!! I am 51, also do weight training so I really do appreciate the grind and consistency girl!🙌🏽💪🏽❤️

[@crterwil]

Wow! Thank you! I’m 59 and this is really encouraging!

[@MelissaNeill]

You can do it!

[@pamelaflores4129]

When was the last time I sat and watched a whole 20 minute video of talking? You are so eloquent and I enjoyed listening to your fitness advice very much. I subscribed because you didn't mention keto (which helped me gain weight and wrecked my cholesterol) and you look and sound like you know what you're talking about. Thank you for the information, I look forward to checking out your other content directed at people in my age bracket. Much appreciated, beautiful lady!

[@michellewelling9074]

I am working on these steps. But I do need to lose weight, along with a recomp of my body. I am overweight and strength training but no weight is coming off. 😢. I am building muscle ..exciting. But still too high in lbs. for my height, only 5'2". 😔

[@ragetobe]

I’m a man and you may think I wouldn’t know anything about this topic but I do, I started studying myself and it just carried over to helping my wife. I’m 51 and she is 43, she is going through the menopause. I have helped my wife by getting her in to calisthenics and she uses small weights with exercises I have given her. The one thing I’m not hearing here is fasting, this is key for everyone but especially for those that are older. I went from not being able to do a pull up at 49 to being able to do a muscle-up, I am near doing unassisted handstand push-ups, this is not something I could have done before I was 49. My wife is on a similar journey and she is now looking how she wants to look in her clothes and it has changed her journey through menopause. Being stronger is just something everyone should be, we just stop doing it. My wife is now enjoying being older and stronger, I love seeing her empowered and in control. Please stop telling people you can target belly fat, you cannot, you can only target body fat.

[@SusanaXpeace2u]

She's only 43, you say she's enjoying being "older".

[@vanessac1965]

Women can't fast like men or they ruin their hormones. Google a book called fast like a girl.

[@mariatolentino4516]

Bingo! Fasting is the key. I am 62 and post-menopausal. 20/4 (eating window is 8 a.m. to 12 noon) five days a week, 16/8 on Saturdays, no fasting on Sundays. 102 lbs., 19.9 BMI, 33"-22.5"-33". Exercise consists of Kathy Smith's Lean Walk (especially those interval walks), Physique 57 and Pilates (mat, Reformer, Cadillac and Fuse Ladder).

[@ragetobe]

@@SusanaXpeace2u Yes she is, please feel free to enjoy being older yourself, perhaps you are 92, I salute you Susana but getting older is a gradual process that sneaks up on us, and my wife unlike many women around her has embraced it and combats it with many techniques.

[@RD-nq7fl]

My mid section fat happened when I turned 50. I will be 51 next month and I just can’t get this extra 10 lbs I gained one year off. I feel awful when I look in the mirror. Thanks fir tips. Yes, I am going to try your tips.

[@teryycapraro7137]

Me tooooo…😞

[@glamupwithkatrina]

Oh please u look incredible way above average...loving ur tips im 57 and started experiencing the middle age spread a few years ago. Iv trained since I wS 19yrs old consistently so this was devastating for me...iv got it under control but I need to up my diet...thanks great content🙏

[@rondacompton7206]

I started Estrogen in Nov and I gained about 5 pounds and I cannot loose it no matter what.

[@PTLB772]

I’ve been on bio identical hormone replacement therapy. It includes and estradiol patch, testosterone and estradiol cream from a compounding pharmacy and progesterone. My testosterone seems to be fine so I don’t take the testosterone/estradiol cream anymore. I started taking hormone replacement therapy after radiation (to my cervix,pelvic region and ovaries)in order to stop me from hemorrhaging (cancer). I definitely have not lost weight since taking the hormone replacement therapy at all.

[@yo-yo9663]

I also am on estradiol patch and estrogen cream from a compounding pharmacy for the vagina. I also had radiation for cancer. I lost 30 lbs doing Lego and gained it back after the pandemic but my stomach fat is worse than ever. I don’t recognize my body 😢

[@laurettelaliberte8864]

This, and KZbinrs like you I discovered when I was looking for answers, are what inspired me to write a book on health and fitness for women in their 50s. I intend to credit you all for good information and followup resoruces in the acknowledgments.

[@roxannerousseau3960]

Thank you for the information I can identify with the weight gain and fatigue and everything else. What you shared is a breath of fresh air and I am going to try it out.

[@shenjen3665]

Funny. I've had this instinct that I should start lifting weights, building muscle. This is great - thank-you!

[@addicted2me]

Im alr round before menopause. Gosh..im kinda worried now. And i agree. Above 40 the body changes. And i have a 20 somethings tell me stuff like as if they know better. Well. Wait for them to reach our age. The only way to understand is going through it. Thank u for the info

[@Lisakubo]

Ughh.. the depression is real.. i am so off the rails.. last year i was fine.. And seems overnight I’m fat.. i didn’t earn this body I once was a competitor (3yrs ago) and now… 😞😞😞

[@MJ-sz6ys]

what about intermittent fasting? I'm doing that right now and I do see slow results but not dramatic

[@catz4m8z]

Good advice! Im def in this catagory and trying to get healthy/lose weight now. I cant do anything high intensity like HIIT coz of bad joints but Im working on a plan of 15 mins cardio on a mini stepper and 15 mins weight training/pilates 5 days a week and I think that will be plenty for me! And keeping to an unprocessed, healthy diet of course.

[@codzy3532]

thanks sweetie for the info im 59 menopausal im fasting helps a bit was 123 kg i take estrogene cream too i cut bread rice pasta walk 5 days a wk have not lost any weight just come across your vid today thank goodness wonder what i was doing wrong when i seriously started doing something about my weight loss as the doctor said im on my way to being diabetic wich scared me into seriously think about losing weight and thank goodness for your vid im going to start strength training thanks God bless 😊❤👏👏👏👵💐

[@rowezethsewell5722]

I strengthen my training in the morning twice a week and do yoga once a week. I don’t want which to muscle; I wish to be toned. I only eat when I’m hungry. I’m also a vegan. I know I need to increase my protein and do another strength workout. Thanks to you.

[@panes840]

I am vegan. When I changed to vegan, I lost lots of weight naturally apart from my belly fat as the menopause kicjed in. My blood work looks fantastic still. Checked it for the last 4 years. So this and the healthy plant based diet I think I might just crack it.

[@kristiesmithjohnson727]

You're a HUGE inspiration! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@MelissaNeill]

You are so welcome!

[@SG-kt3vj]

You are absolutely amazing! Thank you for all of your hard work and efforts to help others 🥰 I adore you!

[@MelissaNeill]

Thank you so much!

[@lolalili2386]

You have inspired me to make a change Keep on doing what you are doing in your platform You explain this very well, nice and clear and at a steady pace

[@jennifernewman1274]

Hey there I’m really happy to hear about this new method I’d like to try it out am not so pleased with my weight gain am over 50 I’ve put on some weight I need to try ur Method am desperate

[@MelissaNeill]

Hi Jennifer! You can check out all my programs here: melissaneill.com/programs/ If you have any questions you can also email me at [e-mail] :)

[@dianemarie4399]

I'm 53 I'm struggling to lose 4 stones I'm so depressed 😢

[@sandrajohnson2832]

You look like you found the ‘Fountain of Youth ‘🦋Amazing job done 🎉🏅I honestly thought you were in your late 20’s…💙

[@lisacampbell9601]

Thank you for the ebook, it’s full of amazing information.

[@leekflower1]

Our tummies arent intended to be flat, some fat around the organs is protective and some people's uterus actually protrudes so in trying to get a perfectly flat tummy they are actually trying to get rid of their uterus!!

[@HighwayHoney]

I’m trying and adding protein but it seems like I’m gaining more. Ugh… I’m 51 and it’s getting worse.I get bloated from just drinking water.

[@vivianworden]

Hormone replacement therapy only brings your levels to normal. Its not "extra". I'm the same age as this young lady ❤ She knows her stuff. No gimmicks just applied know how.

[@rubikscube6722]

How are you 56?! So inspiring ❤

[@Serena-ty8hl]

Thank you! I'm feeling hopeful now.

[@MelissaNeill]

You got this!

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

I’m 50- 5’6” and about 215 pounds. I used to do cardio 3x a week and lift weights on my off days when I was 32. (I’ve exercised most of my life) I did high reps with low weight and low reps with high weights- from a book by Arnold Swarzeneggar. I stopped lifting from 38 to recently. Now I’m lifting again and doing Pilates but not very consistently. By the way the Pilates helps my pelvic floor!! I hate Kegels!!! When I was younger the lifting worked for me making me stronger but I didn’t have the definition then that I get from it now!! Also Cardio would be the only way to lose fat back then. I seem to see more difference in the way my body looks now from lifting versus the way it used to look then which is weird. I weighed less too back then! Around 160. It seems I need to lift weights more than cardio nowadays. It’s what my body seems to be telling me to do. I recently tried swimming a mile every other day which I did for 9 months but my skin was getting so dry it was scaly!!! I still have the issue! I lost 40 pounds then stopped losing fat. So frustrating. In the past I rode a bike, did interval training (Curves gym), did belly dance, Pilates and swam for my exercise over the years. I’ve really noticed I’m losing my strength recently. I’m a trained auto mechanic (27 years ago) but not currently employed. I maintain our cars. I’d really like to get my weight back down and wear my heels again- I have a shoe collection of 135 shoes. I really like color! 😅

[@fayejordan175]

Losing weight happens when their is a calorie deficit. The older we get, the l fewer calories we usually need unfortunately!

[@LilyoftheValeyrising]

@@fayejordan175 right!

[@JNAllenstv]

My estrogen is high and it caused me to gain weight in my tummy, so I don’t think this thing about people gaining weight because of low estrogen = weight gain in the tummy. Notably, I gained weight because of stress during covid & with the high estrogen & not exercising caused me to gain 50lbs. Building muscles have also caused me to lose weight rapidly & look lovely.

[@panes840]

It is scientifically proven low estrogen causes,weight gain. It's irrefutable. Diet is absolutely key, and calorie dense foods are a big part of the issue.

[@JNAllenstv]

@@panes840 FACT(S) as it relates to science: Estrogen promotes the storage of fat for healthy reproductive years. When estrogen is balanced, the right amount of fat helps carry out female reproductive functions. However, when there's too little or too much estrogen, weight gain often results.

[@JNAllenstv]

@@panes840 The body needs a suitable balance of estrogen and other sex hormones for health. High estrogen levels may cause weight gain, low mood, and severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in females. In males, it may lead to erectile dysfunction. Estrogen is considered a female sex hormone. It is also present in males but in smaller amounts.

[@missamelie17]

I have a spinal cord disorder so I cannot do high impact. I eat a plant based diet. t cannot eat so much protein though. I adore animals. You look amazing. I have a stubborn 15 pounds, but am learning to love it.

[@judgejulie7869]

I'm 45 and had a total hysterectomy at 38. Since then I've put weight on around my middle which I really don't like and am not used to. I was 8 and half stone and a trained dancer. Due to a knee injury I had to stop or reduce knee impact exercise which hasn't helped with the weight. I'm now just over 10 stone and don't really do any exercise at all apart from walking. I think the HRT has accelerated my weight gain, plus my love of food 🤭.

[@samp9953]

I just discovered you, I want to watch some of your other videos to be able to ask you questions, especially thanks because you speak slowly and I can understand well😊😊

[@di4085]

If you don't mind me asking Melissa how many pounds did you lose from the very beginning till now? You look great by the way.

[@TunisiaAli]

It's likely in her earlier videos. I wish I could remember. But you can check out the thumbnails easily.

[@lisanathan7336]

So pleased I’ve found you. Thank you for the great truthful content. Will be in touch.

[@LisaRobinson0725]

Thank you, Melissa for sharing such excellent advice.

[@MelissaNeill]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sharonclark1214]

Great video! Using My Fitness Pal my calorie deficit is 1,200 calorie with only 60 grams of protein . I feel it is low. I am 67.

[@mcampbell4556]

I did somewhat of a study on fitness apps. They all ask for personal Information Age, height, weight, gender and each one gave me different calories per day to lose 1-2 lbs per week. In my opinion Myfittness pal and others are inaccurate. Of course the elderly need more protein than 60 gr. We are losing muscle as we age! We need more protein now more than ever! Personally I mentally chart my calorie intake and weigh myself daily so I know what I need to do. Apple cider vinegar is key also in digestion and burning fat. I put 1 to 2 tablespoons in a small glass and fill with a couple ounces of water and just chug it three times a day.

[@ladyyvette7948]

Melissa, you look amazing. You are so inspiring.

[@oliviaedralin1436]

Thank you!!! Love the way you explained what a lot of us going through right now,,

[@comfynlux5695]

Thank you for saying that about the hormones. I thought I was crazy.

[@MelissaNeill]

No worries!

[@margalopez2153]

I had a great body. But menopause hit me. I am exercising and nothing. I feel very sad, 😢 . I see myself and i see another person. I need to find myself. Life is beautifull. But I dont see myself beautifull anymore.

[@MelissaNeill]

Hang in there! I hope everything gets better. 🤗

[@margalopez2153]

🙂 thamk you.

[@andreakay6061]

I am just in this transition, finding this out for myself. It’s al correct and I was getting softer and less fit as time went on. Finding it harder to run and do any cardio. Great vid.

[@wl5609]

Your eating plan doesn't seem to address insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or sugar/carb addiction. A lot of post menopausal women are suffering from these at astronomical rates. Are you a professional nutritionist? Thanks.

[@Jenniferfilmer]

Love this. Trying to tell a friend this is the best way but she is stuck on low calorie diet and wants to do the Fast 800 diet now, which is essentially what she is doing now. She can't exercise due to medical conditions. Curious to know what you think of the Fast 800 diet when it's designed by doctors, which becomes a selling point for people.

[@shannonscheffel7366]

I am 54 years old and 5 years post menopause. I don't take HRT although I am definitely considering it because my joints are so bad that I can't do hiit without injuring my knees, as well as other troubling symptoms. I have done weight training since I was 40. It is absolutely shocking to me how much my body has changed and how it no longer responds to diet and exercise like it used to. Also i do consume a lot of protein, 100 grams a day(I weigh 125) but maybe I need to up it? I have all this fat that has accumulated on my belly and it won't budge. Because my knees can't handle much at all any more I'm not doing HIIT or as many leg exercises when I lift. I recently began walking on the treadmill at 12% grade, at a moderate pace, for half an hour a few times a week. Do you think this is beneficial or too much like cardio? You have given me hope that I might just be able to get in shape again. Thank you.

[@SusanaXpeace2u]

I'm pushing my calories up abit as an experiment, all the right choices but I was down to 1200 and not losing a gram. So I deliberately upped cals monitoring my weight. I have more energy now. Ready to reassess. True, running makes me hungry. I'm walking a lot but not keen to push it and run.

[@willow9790]

I love your video and I follow what you are saying, but I have Ehlers Danlos syndrome and have several spinal fusions. I don’t know how to manage weights without causing more injuries. Any tips would be helpful.

[@mscaseyc]

This is one of the best videos I've seen and extremely motivational. Got a lot of tips. Thank you!

[@MelissaNeill]

You're welcome!

[@iss8504]

Melissa's worse for many of us is fantastic...

[@CathyDahut]

GREAT CONTENT!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

[@Radtech2002]

Melissa what about Bioidentical hormones? Are they better at losing weight?

[@Nola1176]

I'm just so damn tired.

[@debbiefrancis489]

I am 60 and started working out at 19, aerobics, weights, etc. At 50 my body changed, belly fat appeared. I didn't take HRT. Changing my diet, adding more protein, strength training and patience has helped. Rome was not built in a day.

[@MariaDiazskn]

Ok, first it would be better to check your heart and general health condition before starting any training. Especially the high intensity. Second, too much protein is dangerous and can cause damage to the kidneys and liver. The correct ratio is about 1 g of protein per kilo, depending on physical activity and other factors that should be determined by a specialist. It's very nice to be fit but much more important to be healthy.

[@drmonifajones6943]

Thank you) This is very helpful. I am beginning at age 53

[@ruthcampanella7450]

How do you feel about intermittent fasting post menopause?

[@wyleecoyotee4252]

Following

[@nccl3899]

Good for 12 hours max.

[@lindapadilla8393]

Thank you so much for all the valuable information! You look gorgeous!🥰

[@MelissaNeill]

You are so welcome!