belly fat after 40?

science now confirms it isn’t necessarily related to eating habits or dieting

July 04, 2025

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Science now confirms what many women have long suspected: weight gain after 40 isn’t necessarily related to eating habits or dieting.

Research reveals how declining estrogen during perimenopause and menopause slows down your metabolism, changes fat distribution (hello belly fat), and makes it harder to lose weight, even if your lifestyle hasn’t changed.

The study also mentions that hormonal changes can directly affect how your body stores fat and even how hungry you feel.

In this edition:

  • How menopause affects fat distribution and metabolism

  • What science says about sustainable weight loss after 40

  • Personalised Diet Coaching

  • Smart strategies for staying motivated

  • Recipe of the Week

A study of women aged 40–65 found that body weight changes during midlife are strongly linked to hormonal shifts, especially falling estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause.

Why is this important?

Abdominal fat is linked to higher risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoarthritis. In fact, the World Health Organization highlights that fat stored around the waist is more dangerous than fat stored elsewhere in the body.

Many women in the study said they felt overwhelmed when deciding how to manage their weight.

52% looked for reliable written information.

20% asked others for advice.

20% tried to rely on self-motivation.

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It’s designed to help you feel better in your body, for the long run.

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In the study, over 80% of women said they were trying to lose weight, but felt unsure of what worked best.

When women combined nutrition and exercise, they reported better results.

This is consistent with multiple studies showing that combining both leads to more fat loss than doing either alone.

Your body’s changing, and now, you understand why.

With the right tools, knowledge, and support, you can feel strong, healthy, and in control again.

You deserve support that’s made for this chapter of life.

See you in your inbox next week, with more science, recipes, and real talk.

Till then, be kind to yourself. 💛
Simrun