Understanding your metabolism in menopause and midlife | why it matters more than ever

As we enter midlife, many of us notice changes in our bodies that we didn’t expect - weight gain, fluctuating energy levels and a metabolism that seems to have slowed down overnight. If you’re in your 40s or 50s and feeling frustrated with your weight or energy levels, you’re not alone. The truth is, our metabolism shifts as we age, and understanding these changes is key to maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

I know I've noticed a lot of changes, especially in the last year or so, I am now 58 and weight loss has become more difficult, the age-related changes to my body composition due to hormonal changes can be frustrating and I need to make adjustments to my physical activity, the number of calories I consume and learning what my new healthy weight should be!

Listening to podcasts and learning about new research really helps educate me and the good news is that we can combat the midlife weight gain, shift the extra pounds and despite a slower metabolism find a new healthy balance.  

​This blog post contains affiliate links - scroll down to get 20% off at Lumen.

Understanding metabolism in midlife is essential to maintaining our weight and keeping strong

The metabolic changes in midlife

Metabolism is the process by which our bodies convert food into energy. In our younger years, we may have been able to eat what we wanted and stay relatively active without much thought. However, as peri and postmenopausal women, several factors contribute to a slowing metabolism:

Hormone levels:
Oestrogen plays a role in regulating metabolism, and as its levels decline, the body may burn fewer calories at rest and store more fat, particularly around the abdomen.

Lean muscle: 
From our 30s onward, we naturally lose muscle mass unless we actively work to maintain it through strength training. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, less muscle means a slower metabolism.

Insulin resistance: 
Many women become more insulin resistant in midlife, making it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it.

Energy needs: ​
​Midlife often brings shifts in activity levels due to lifestyle changes, which can further impact how our metabolism functions.

Why understanding your metabolism matters

Rather than fighting against these changes, the key is to work with your metabolism, adjusting your nutrition and lifestyle to support your body’s evolving needs. By understanding how your body is using energy, you can make more informed choices about food, exercise, and overall health.

This is where metabolic tracking becomes a game-changer. Instead of guessing whether your body is burning fat or carbs, imagine having real-time insights into your metabolism. This is exactly what Lumen offers.

How Lumen can help you optimise your metabolism

Lumen is a handheld metabolic tracking device that measures the CO2 levels in your breath to determine whether your body is burning fat or carbohydrates for fuel. This simple but powerful tool can help you:

Understand how your body handles food intake:
Learn which healthy foods and what time to eat them and how this works best for your metabolism.

Optimise your nutrition:
Adjust your carb and fat intake based on real-time metabolic feedback.

Improve fat-burning efficiency:
Train your metabolism to become more flexible and shift between burning fat and carbs as needed.

Enhance your energy levels:
​By fueling your body correctly, you can avoid energy crashes and feel more vibrant throughout the day.

Weight set point theory and midlife

The weight set point theory suggests that our bodies have a natural weight range that they strive to maintain, regulated by complex hormonal and metabolic processes. As we age, this set point may shift due to hormonal changes, stress, and lifestyle factors, making it more challenging to lose weight. This means that traditional dieting approaches often fail in midlife, as the body resists weight loss to preserve stability. Instead of extreme calorie restriction, a focus on metabolic health - through balanced nutrition, regular movement, and tools like Lumen - can help gradually shift the set point in a healthier direction and support long-term well-being.

Taking control of your midlife health

Midlife is not the time to resign yourself to a sluggish metabolism, it’s an opportunity to tune in, make adjustments to our daily lives, and embrace a more mindful approach to health. With tools like Lumen, you can gain deeper insight into how your metabolism functions and take control of your nutrition and fitness choices with confidence.

So, if you’ve been wondering why what worked in your 30s no longer works in your 50s, it’s time to start listening to your body and giving it what it truly needs. Your metabolism is not broken - it just needs a little guidance. And with Lumen, you have the power to unlock a healthier, more energised version of yourself.

If you're struggling with ongoing health concerns, or simply feel like something isn't quite right, it's always worth speaking to a GP. Sometimes, getting a second opinion or more time to talk through your symptoms can make all the difference. That’s where private care can really help. A private GP Wilmslow offers longer appointments, quick access to diagnostic tests, and the chance to explore any health concerns without feeling rushed especially useful if you need more specialist guidance or peace of mind.
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Are you ready to start working with your metabolism instead of against it? Learn more about Lumen and how it can help you navigate midlife with confidence.

​Lumen are offering 20% off using the code FIFTYFF at checkout.

Michelle xx


​Disclaimer: If you purchase a Lumen using my discount code, then I will receive a small affiliate commission.