I am healthy swf, 50, 5'5" and 186lbs. The highest I've ever been. I've never had a weight issue before. I work at a fitness center and exercise regularly AND count calories. I do about 30 minutes of cardio 4x/weekly along with my active job. I stopped doing weights for now and switched to Pilates and cardio. I have a sweet tooth for candy, but watch what I eat and read the food labels. I feel as though there is something blocking my ability to trim and get down to my desired weight of 140. Last thyroid check was normal. I KNOW age is a factor and maybe it could be a change in hormones, although I am not going through menopause yet. Could there be any other health factor to check or is weight-excess fat gain just something we are stuck with as we get older? I don't want to except age as a reason. Has anyone else discovered something so simple that caused you to start losing the excess fat other than all the exercise and calorie counting?
gotabesomething!

Hormones is a big factor.

What do you eat?
Even many health bars are not good for you.

Read the ingredients if the list is long and unfamilar words then it may have a lot of preservatives.
Also switch to good oils and fats omegas
Avoid the Crisco/Wesson oils
Use sea salt instead of table salt
Eat whole wheat rather than refined flour
Avoid artificial sweeteners even a lot of energy and health drinks contain artificial sweeteners. Avoid diet foods.
Eat unsweetened yogurt
Take digestive enzymes

Here are some links
Pompa Health Solutions - Join Wellness Team

Is the Standard American Diet Enough?

YouTube - standard american diet

YouTube - pompa health solutions

The Standard American Diet: How Diet Causes Disease or Health

Thank you. I am checking out the Pompa Health Solutions and it does make sense.

That sweet tooth may be another factor. It's an unfortunate fact that as we get older, we get less efficient at handling refined carbs like sugar and sweets. Even small portions can set you on an insulin roller-coaster. There is reputable research to show that while there is insulin in your system, your body will not burn fat. So you've got to cut way back on the refined carbs to see results.

Also, I'd go back to lifting weights. While pilates is great, it doesn't burn the same calories as a good lifting session, and even while resting, muscle burns more calories, so every extra pound of muscle means it's easier to stay in shape.

Guess it's time to give up the Cola!

I drank Pepsi for years, I was addicted for almost 40 yrs. I never thought it would effect me and now I am having problems.
I think it is hypokalemia. I have to get a diagnosis but I am sure that is what it is

In people with hypokalemia, a drop in blood potassium levels results in problems with vital muscle functions. Symptoms can range from mild weakness to serious paralysis, say Greek researchers who conducted a review of people who drank between two to nine liters of cola a day.


Hypokalemia: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Hypokalemia is a metabolic disorder that occurs when the level of potassium in the blood drops too low.

Possible causes of hypokalemia include:

Certain antibiotics (carbenicillin, gentamicin, amphotericin B)
Certain drugs, called diuretics, that can cause excess urination
Diarrhea (including the use of too many laxatives, which can cause diarrhea)
Diseases that affect the kidney's ability to retain potassium (for example, Liddle syndrome, Cushing syndrome, hyperaldosteronism, Bartter syndrome, Fanconi syndrome)
Eating disorders (such as bulimia)
Eating large amounts of licorice or using products such as herbal teas and chewing tobaccos that contain licorice made with glycyrrhetinic acid (this substance is no longer used in licorice made in the United States)
Excessive sweating
Excessive vomiting
Kidney problems
Lack of enough potassium in diet (rarely)

A small drop in potassium usually doesn't cause symptoms. However, a big drop in the level can be life threatening.

Symptoms of hypokalemia include:

Abnormal heart rhythms (dysrhythmias), especially in people with heart disease
Breakdown of muscle fibers (rhabdomyolysis)
Constipation
Fatigue
Muscle weakness or spasms
Paralysis (which can include the lungs)

Well this weight issue is really sad for me... I get so depressed as my weight keeps going up. Each summer I am buying bigger clothing sizes - so I joined Jenny Craig this week... I am 5'8" 213lbs. It is expensive but I have no choice... Anyone tried Jenny Craig? Does it work? I find that I am getting hungry in the mornings after breakfast... that is not good it will tempt me to go back to my old way of eating. Any advice how to keep from being hungry? I am drinking a lot of water but I run to the bathroom soooo often.

It looks like they changed the site and it is harder to access the videos and the information without signing up.
I think they have some videos on YouTube
Pompa health solutions but I don't know if they go in depth explaining health matters or if they are more like infomercials