The Midlife Edit Vol. 2

Mara Davis, 56

Menopause Weight Journey

I’ve had weight problems my entire life. Weight Watchers starting as a pre-teen, Atkins, workouts, low-carb, caloric restriction and trying to eat healthy. While I was able to maintain a somewhat normal but overweight lifestyle, the anxiety was always hanging in the background. And then, menopause. I didn’t recognize my body anymore. My somewhat smaller waist was replaced with a giant skin tire. Nothing fit and getting dressed was a daily struggle of hell. Stretchy pants were my friend and even they were getting tight. I was miserable.

I kept hearing about GLP-1s but the rub in the beginning was “there’s no off ramp, you gain all the weight back”. I went to a doctor and asked if menopause was contributing to my weight gain. He diet-splained on how I just needed to eat less and exercise. A total shame-fest and the cruel cycle of my entire life. People who were not overweight made it seem so easy. Why was it so hard for me?

Finally, my wonderful OB/GYN of 30 years said he’d help me get started on the medication. Instantly I felt a transformation. The voices in your head that chatter about what you’re going to eat go quiet. I could have everything I wanted, just less of it. I cried. This was a revelation. A feeling of validation that a lifetime of struggling was not my fault. My brain was being rewired.  I was free.  

The weight loss has been very slow, but that is exactly the way I want it. The medication makes me want to work out more and eat cleaner. Part of the problem with diet culture is the perception of will power. If you can’t eat less you’re perceived as weak. Now I know this is not the case. It’s genetic. And it’s menopause. It’s why I intend to stay on this forever. But it is work and I am committed. The game changing results are why.

For now, this cures the lifetime of stigma. I’m not on a diet, I’m just living my life like a normal person. What a concept!

A closing note from Courtney: I’d love to hear your stories. If you would like to share, please get in touch at courtney@themorningpause.com …I’d love to feature your journey. The more we share our experiences, the more educated we become and the better we can advocate for our midlife health!

Grateful for this community already and it’s only just beginning! 

Courtney