I had weighed nearly the same for decades. No matter what I ate, how much or how little I exercised, my weight didn’t fluctuate more than a pound or two. Even when middle age hit and my hormones went on permanent vacation, the needle on the scale stayed the same. I was satisfied with what it said.
Why, then, when middle age is a distant memory, has my body decided to sock away some extra pounds? I could understand if I were in my forties or fifties. But with seventy looming in three and a half years, I am crying, “Foul!”
If all the extra weight were evenly distributed, I could live with that. I could get new clothes and feel stylish. But the poundage has settled in one area: not north of the equator—which would be much appreciated—or south of the equator, but totally at the equator. If I buy new clothes to fit the equator, the rest of me will be swimming in them. I’ve taken to wearing my husband’s shirts to cover zero degrees latitude.
I used to look at other women’s bodies at the gym and pick one I wanted to model myself after. The young women leaving the body-sculpting boot camp class always inspired me. I’ve become more realistic lately. I look for women with more mature bodies and aim for that look.
Yesterday, in yoga class, I saw a woman with the perfect body for me. She was sleek and toned. However, she did have the slightest pooch to her stomach. Granted, she just had a baby. But, hey, I just had three children. A little while ago. It takes time to get back in shape.
Coming East 
Middle age a distant memory? You’re still middle age! Don’t tell me your memory is on the fritz, too!
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Thank you, Aquileana. Very kind of you. I visited your blog and it is lovely.
lol! Always a funny twist at the end of your posts. Well, maybe not always, but frequently. I don’t know why weight likes to gather at the equator after the childbearing years end, but I’m thinking it might be a good business opportunity for a designer who can makes clothing that fits women of a certain age. My solution of late was to buy a pair of capris that are made to sit at the hips rather than the waist. Cover-up at waist level is still required, but at least they fit my hips and legs!
Exactly, Robin! As long as my pants sit below my waist, they are comfortable. unfortunately, if they fit below the waist, they push all the extra flesh up and over, so now I have to get looser shirts to cover that up.
I have never stayed the same weight; up and down my whole life. And the older I get the harder it is to take it off. I’ve gained quite a bit of what I lost a couple of years ago and, like you, am dismayed that it is settling mainly in the inner-tube area. Dang!
I hear you, Peg. I could do South Beach, walk I’ve miles a day, go to the gym seven days a week, and do plank after plank, and maybe I could lose an inch. But I would also lose my enjoyment of life, so I going to learn to live with this new version of me.
Should read Very frustrating
At least you loved your previous constant weight and distribution. It’s taking me a lifetime to get in shape, and the weight is, as always, settled in the same equatorial place, leaving the arms and legs slim and totally out of proportion! Bring on the mumus!
I read that “bring on the hummus.” Haha! If I ate only hummus, I probably could lose the equator.
I’m right there with you! I have a wedding coming up (son #2) in August and I’m desperately trying to eliminate the extra ‘roll’ in the middle. I’ve been doing more yoga and Pilates and walking and less eating and its still not leaving! I guess that’s why Spanx was invented!)
I know, Margo. It has nothing to do with what we eat or the amount of exercise we do. That’s why it’s so unfair. I have my niece’s wedding to go to in February, and I’m already stressing, so I can I,agile what you are going through. Maybe something two-piecework work.
When we moved five years ago to the land of cream and butter, I put on weight that I had lost while living in the land of the fruit and nuts…. I am hoping when we move in a couple of weeks I will be so active taking care of the house that I will be a nice mixture of fruit and cream…. or should I be a mixture of nuts and butter? Hmmmm………. Great post!
You’re nuts if you think a little activity will take care of the problem, DAF. Or maybe you’re fruity. 🙂
a bunch of both, unfortunately…. mumu’s anyone?
Haha! Now I know why mumus were my mother’s favorite clothes the last few years of her life.
I’m having the same problem. It’s all settled around the waist yet the rest is the same. Very hard to find the right clothes.
Glad you understand. So frustrating. And I don’t think there is a remedy for it at my age.
Be sure that you aren’t the only one with a little extra pooch.
I know I’m not the only one, but I don’t want to be one at all. At my age, I don’t think that’s going to change.
I can SO identify! Same slacks I wore a couple of summers ago, weigh less than I did then, and can’t get them buttoned…..
I know! What’s with that, Dianna?