Why Women Over 50 Should Stop Focusing on Weight

Something I hate talking about and it feels very scary to share with you… is the fact that according to the BMI, I’m obese.  It’s never sat well with me because, yes, I’ve put on weight since menopause, but I am more active than I’ve ever been, I eat fairly well, and I don’t drink alcohol.  It doesn’t seem fair!  But researchers now know that the number on the scale is way more complicated, involving everything from genetics to stress levels to the amount of sleep we’re getting.

But even with these updates, there’s a bigger question: why are we so obsessed with weight in the first place? Especially as women over 50, isn’t it time we put the scales away and focused on what really matters?  And thankfully, the researchers have also decided the BMI isn’t an accurate measure of health.

Over the last few weeks I have seen a lot on social media from women in their menopause years berating their weight gain and asking how to lose it.  I get it… I live with this larger body every day, and occasionally it gets in my way.  But, as women in our 40s, 50s and beyond, it would be great if our weight became the least important thing about ourselves, and here’s why…

1. Because You’re So Much More Than a Number

Let’s get real: women’s bodies have been scrutinised for centuries. Whether it’s “You’re too big” or “You’re too thin,” there’s always some ridiculous standard to measure up to. And now, in midlife, we’re supposed to obsess over “ageing gracefully” (whatever that means). Let’s call it what it is: exhausting.

Focusing on weight keeps us stuck in a cycle where our value is tied to how we look. But guess what? Your worth is not defined by your size, your wrinkles, or whether your jeans from 20 years ago still fit. It’s about who you are, the wisdom you’ve gained, and how you show up in the world.

2. Because Weight Doesn’t Equal Health

For years, we’ve been told that weight is the ultimate measure of health. Turns out, it’s not. Medical experts are now saying that factors like muscle mass, bone density, and how your body stores fat are much better indicators of well-being than the number on the scale.  They also say that being active, eating lots of fruit & veggies, and managing stress are what keeps us healthy, almost completely independent of our weight.

As our bodies change through menopause and beyond, these are the things we should be paying attention to:

  • Are you moving comfortably? Can you bend down to tie your shoes or dance in the kitchen without feeling stiff?

  • How’s your energy? Are you able to get through most of your days without feeling completely wiped?

  • Are you feeling good in your skin? Is your mental health in a good place?

Health is about feeling alive and vibrant, not about shrinking yourself.

3. Because Diet Culture Is a Scam

Let’s talk about diet culture. It’s designed to make you feel like you’re never good enough so you’ll keep buying the shakes, signing up for the programs, and feeling guilty when you "slip up." News flash: the system is rigged. Most diets don’t work long-term, and they mess with your mental health in the process.

Imagine what could happen if you stopped chasing weight loss and started focusing on living. What if movement became about joy instead of punishment? What if food was about nourishment instead of restriction? Doesn’t that sound so much better?

4. Because Your Body Deserves Love, Not Criticism

By 50, your body has been through a lot. Maybe it’s carried babies, walked on ancient cobblestoned streets in a foreign country, climbed mountains, or simply gotten you through countless ups and downs. It’s still here, showing up for you every day, even if it feels a little creaky or looks puffy sometimes. Doesn’t it deserve some kindness?

Loving your body doesn’t mean you have to be thrilled with every part of it. It just means treating it with respect. Eat foods that give you energy, move in ways that feel good, and rest when you need it. And please, stop saying mean things to yourself in the mirror. You’d never talk to a friend that way, so why do it to yourself?

5. Because Life Is Too Short

Picture this: You’re 80 years old, sitting in your favourite chair, thinking about your life. Are you going to be glad you spent so much time worrying about your weight? Or are you going to wish you’d focused more on making memories, trying new things, and enjoying the people you love?

Life’s too short to waste on diet plans and body shame. Let’s shift the focus to what really matters—like feeling strong, staying curious, and finding joy in the little things.

The Bottom Line

Your health, happiness, and worth have nothing to do with the number on the scale. By letting go of weight obsession, you’re freeing yourself to live a fuller, richer life. And isn’t that what we all want?

So, here’s to celebrating everything that makes you you and leaving the scales (and the shame) behind. Let’s focus on vitality, self-love, and living our best lives including good food and regular exercise.

If living a healthy life without weight stigma is something you are keen to cultivate, you may be interested in my upcoming Menopause Mentoring Group. Click here for more info. 


Term 1 Classes

Yoga & fitness classes for term 1 are open for bookings. My new Vitality 30 class is proving to be a big hit. It includes some yoga stretches, cardio and strength, all in one 30-minute class. It’s on Thursdays at 7am at Albany Contemporary Dance. I am thinking about making Term 1 available as a live stream for this class only so you can join from home. Please let me know if you’d be keen for this option.

Also, Monday night yoga at King River Hall sold out very fast so I am thinking of adding a class on Thursday evenings. Let me know if you are keen for that one!

All term 1 bookings are available here.



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