A doctor explained why it’s difficult for women above 40 to lose weight (Image: Getty)
Many women find it increasingly difficult to lose weight as they get older, and experts say hormonal and metabolic changes are often to blame. According to Dr Donald Grant, women face several unique biological and lifestyle challenges that can make weight loss more complicated than simply eating less and exercising more.
Dr Grant, who serves as senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said women are more likely than men to struggle with long-term weight loss due to factors such as hormonal fluctuations, life stage changes and metabolic differences. “Weight loss can be particularly challenging for women due to a combination of hormonal, metabolic and lifestyle factors,” he explained. “Understanding these barriers is the first step toward achieving sustainable and healthy results.”
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One of the biggest factors is hormonal change (Image: Getty)
One of the biggest factors is hormonal change. Women experience shifts in hormone levels throughout their lives, including during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. Fluctuations in oestrogen and progesterone can increase appetite, trigger cravings and cause water retention, which may make weight gain appear more noticeable on the scales.
Metabolism also plays a role. Women generally have less muscle mass than men, meaning they burn fewer calories at rest. As people age, muscle mass naturally declines unless actively maintained through strength training, which can slow metabolism even further.
Dr Grant said resistance exercises two to four times a week can help build and preserve lean muscle, supporting metabolism and improving fat loss over time.
Underlying health conditions may also contribute to unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight. Conditions such as hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome can affect metabolism, insulin sensitivity and how the body stores fat.
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Sleep disruption is another commonly overlooked factor. Poor sleep can alter hunger hormones by increasing ghrelin, which stimulates appetite, while lowering leptin, the hormone that signals fullness. This combination often leads to increased calorie intake the following day.
Life changes such as pregnancy, postpartum recovery and menopause can also affect body composition and fat distribution. During menopause in particular, declining oestrogen levels are linked to increased abdominal fat and changes in insulin sensitivity.
Dr Grant also warned that extreme dieting may do more harm than good. Strict calorie restriction or cutting out entire food groups can slow metabolism and often leads to rebound weight gain once normal eating patterns return.
Instead, he recommends a balanced approach focused on sustainable habits.
“A personalised, sustainable approach that considers hormonal health, lifestyle, stress levels and medical history is essential for long-term success,” he said.
Stress and emotional eating can also present significant barriers. Elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol are associated with increased fat storage around the abdomen and stronger cravings for sugary or high-calorie foods.
Dr Grant advises women who are concerned about persistent weight gain or difficulty losing weight to consult their GP, as medical testing may help identify underlying health issues and provide tailored guidance.
Experts say understanding the biological factors behind weight gain can help women adopt healthier strategies that prioritise long-term wellbeing rather than quick fixes.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
