Why am I gaining weight around my middle? | Women's Health Sunday with Andrea – Issue #2

Women's Health Sunday with Andrea

Issue #2

Why Am I Gaining Weight Around My Middle?

Evidence-based. Practical. No fads.

Helping you understand your body so you can work with it, not against it.

Hello lovely,

Welcome to Women's Health Sunday with Andrea.

Each week I'll answer one of the biggest questions women over 40 are asking about their health, hormones and wellbeing.

No gimmicks.

No quick fixes.

Just evidence-based information, practical advice and my own experiences along the way.

This week's question is probably the one I'm asked more than any other...

"Why am I gaining weight around my middle?"

If I'm honest...

It's a question I've asked myself too.

Over the last few years, despite teaching fitness classes, exercising regularly and living what most people would consider a healthy lifestyle, I noticed my body changing.

The weight wasn't sitting where it used to.

My waist felt thicker.

My clothes fitted differently.

And there were moments when I questioned everything I thought I knew about health and fitness.

I remember thinking...

"Surely I should know how to fix this."

But the more I learned about women's health and hormones, the more I realised something important.

I didn't need to try harder... I needed to understand my body better.

That shift in thinking has completely changed how I look after myself.

Why does this happen?

One of the biggest myths is that menopause simply makes women gain weight.

The truth is, it's a combination of several things happening at once.

As we get older, we naturally begin to lose muscle mass unless we're actively working to maintain it. Because muscle burns more energy than fat, this gradual loss can make it easier to gain weight over time.

At the same time, our estrogen levels begin to decline.

This doesn't just affect our mood, sleep or hot flushes—it also influences where our body prefers to store fat. Many women notice that instead of carrying weight around their hips and thighs, it starts to settle more around their middle.

Here's something I found fascinating when I started learning more about women's health...

Our body fat isn't just somewhere we store energy—it's actually hormonally active. Fat tissue can help produce small amounts of estrogen, and as our natural estrogen levels fall, our body may begin storing more fat around the abdomen. Scientists are still learning exactly why this happens, but it's thought to be one of the ways our amazing bodies adapt to changing hormone levels.

When I learned this, it was a real lightbulb moment.

It stopped me blaming myself.

Instead, it helped me understand that my body wasn't working against me...

It was simply changing.

And once I understood that, I could start working with it instead of fighting it.

What's happening in your body?

Your body isn't broken.

It's adapting.

Hormones, ageing, muscle loss, stress and lifestyle all work together to influence your metabolism and body composition.

The really encouraging news?

Your body still responds incredibly well to healthy habits.

It may need a different approach than it did twenty years ago, but it is absolutely capable of becoming stronger, healthier and more resilient.

What I've learned... and what the research tells us

One of the biggest changes I've made over the last year is changing my focus.

Instead of trying to get smaller...

I'm trying to get stronger.

Instead of eating less...

I'm fuelling my body properly.

Instead of chasing the scales...

I'm focusing on building muscle, improving my health and supporting my hormones.

Research consistently shows that women who strength train, eat enough protein, stay active, sleep well and manage stress are more likely to maintain muscle, improve body composition and stay healthier as they age.

That's why my goal isn't to get back to the body I had at 33.

My goal is to be the healthiest, strongest version of me at 53.

Three simple things to try this week

💜 Lift some weights. Even two or three strength sessions each week can make a huge difference over time.

💜 Prioritise protein. Aim to include a good source of protein with every meal to support your muscles and healthy ageing.

💜 Measure more than your weight. Celebrate your strength, energy, confidence, sleep, fitness and how your clothes fit—not just the number on the scales.

Andrea's Takeaway

One of the reasons I created Women's Health Sunday with Andrea is because I don't want women spending years blaming themselves for changes that are often completely normal.

Knowledge changes everything.

When you understand what's happening inside your body, you stop feeling like you've failed.

Instead, you can make choices that genuinely support your health.

So if you've looked in the mirror recently and wondered what happened...

Please be kind to yourself.

Your body isn't asking you to be perfect.

It's asking you to understand it.

And I hope these Sunday emails help you do exactly that.

Have a wonderful week.

Love,

Andrea xx 💜

AG Fitness & Health

💜 Next Sunday's Question...

"Am I in perimenopause... or is it just stress?"

So many women tell me they feel tired, anxious, overwhelmed and unlike themselves.

Next Sunday we'll explore why the symptoms of perimenopause can be so confusing, how they overlap with everyday stress, and what signs to look out for.

💜 A little note...

Everything I share in Women's Health Sunday with Andrea is based on current research, trusted women's health guidance, my professional experience, ongoing education and the real-life experiences of the wonderful women I work with every day.

If there's a question you'd love me to answer in a future issue, simply hit Reply. I read every email, and your questions will help shape future editions of Women's Health Sunday with Andrea.