Eating less should mean losing weight, right?
If you're in perimenopause and the scales are stuck, that old rule can start to feel like a personal failure. I want to flip that story. For many women over 40, chronic dieting, meal skipping, and aggressive calorie counting don't "boost discipline" at all. They trigger the exact body responses that make weight loss harder.
What happens when you undereat
When you undereat:
- Cortisol rises to keep blood sugar stable
- Cravings for quick energy ramp up
- Your metabolism can slow as your body shifts into energy-conservation mode
Over time, you can even lose muscle, which is the opposite of what you want for a strong, healthy midlife body.
Layer in the realities of perimenopause and menopause, where fluctuating oestrogen and declining progesterone can destabilise the stress response and slow recovery. Inflammation is an overlooked weight-loss blocker too, with signs like fatigue, brain fog, puffiness, and fluid retention.
A more supportive approach
From there, here's a kinder path to perimenopause weight loss:
- Eat enough to help your body feel safe
- Prioritise protein without getting trapped in confusing online targets
- Build regular meals to support insulin and blood sugar
- Choose smarter carbs
- Use movement in a way that respects injuries and limitations
If you're ready to stop fighting your body and start working with it, this is where to begin.
Ready to work with your hormones instead of against them? Book a free Introduction call with Susie.
Want a plan made for your body, not a template?
Book a free Introduction call with Susie. It's a relaxed chat about where you are now and where you'd love to be, with no pressure and no enrolment on the call.