Why Can’t I Lose Weight After 40?

At Junction Pharmacy, one of the most common questions we hear from patients in their forties and beyond is, why can I not lose weight even though I am eating sensibly and staying active? For many people, weight loss becomes noticeably harder after 40. What worked in their twenties and thirties suddenly seems less effective, leading to frustration and confusion.

The good news is that there are clear reasons why weight loss can feel more difficult at this stage of life. By understanding the changes your body is going through and the lifestyle adjustments that can help, it is possible to achieve sustainable results.

Metabolism Naturally Slows Down

One of the biggest changes after 40 is the gradual slowing of metabolism. Your metabolism controls how many calories your body burns at rest. As you age, muscle mass tends to decrease while fat tissue increases. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, this shift means your body uses fewer calories to perform the same activities.

This does not mean weight loss is impossible. It simply means you may need to adjust your calorie intake or increase activity levels to create the same calorie deficit that once felt effortless. Strength training is especially important because it helps preserve and build muscle, which supports a healthier metabolism.

Hormonal Changes

Hormones also play a major role in weight management after 40. For women, the approach to menopause often brings changes in oestrogen levels, which can affect how fat is stored, leading to more around the stomach area. For men, testosterone levels gradually decline, which can reduce muscle mass and energy levels.

These hormonal shifts can make it harder to keep weight off, even when lifestyle habits have not changed much. Understanding that this is part of the natural ageing process can help reduce frustration and highlight the importance of adapting strategies rather than relying on what worked in the past.

Lifestyle Pressures

Many people in their forties are busier than ever, balancing work, family, and social responsibilities. These pressures often leave less time for exercise, meal preparation, or sleep. Stress levels may also rise, which increases cortisol, a hormone that encourages fat storage.

Poor sleep is another hidden barrier. Inadequate rest disrupts hunger hormones, making you more likely to crave high-calorie foods. If you often feel that you are doing everything right but still asking yourself, “Why can’t I lose weight?” it may be worth looking closely at stress and sleep routines alongside diet and exercise.

Sustainable Lifestyle Adjustments

There are several changes that can make weight management easier after 40.

• –> Focus on protein and fibre: High-protein meals help maintain muscle mass and keep you feeling full, while fibre supports digestion and stabilises energy levels.

• –> Prioritise strength training: Incorporating two or three resistance sessions each week can help protect muscle and improve metabolism.

• –> Plan meals in advance: Taking the time to prepare healthy options reduces the temptation of convenience foods.

• –> Prioritise sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours each night to regulate hunger hormones and support recovery.

• –> Manage stress: Gentle activity such as walking or yoga, along with mindfulness techniques, can reduce cortisol and improve wellbeing.

The Role of Medical Support

For some people, lifestyle adjustments alone may not be enough. Age-related changes in metabolism and hormones can make it particularly hard to maintain a calorie deficit. This is where medical support, such as weight management injections, can provide an additional option.

At Junction Pharmacy, we provide access to safe, clinically proven treatments such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. These injections work by regulating appetite hormones, helping you feel fuller for longer and reducing cravings. By supporting your body’s natural systems, they make it easier to achieve and maintain a calorie deficit without constant hunger.

Weight loss injections are not a quick fix, but for the right candidates, they can provide the breakthrough that makes lifestyle changes more effective. Our professional consultations ensure that treatment is safe, suitable, and part of a wider plan tailored to your needs.

A Balanced Perspective

People often visit our South London clinic asking: Why can’t I lose weight after 40? The answer is usually a combination of slower metabolism, hormonal changes, and lifestyle pressures. While these factors can make progress slower, they do not make it impossible. With a combination of healthy habits, realistic expectations, and where appropriate, medical support, long-term weight management is achievable.

Taking the Next Step

If you are struggling with weight loss after 40 and want to explore your options, we are here to help. At Junction Pharmacy, we provide professional guidance, lifestyle advice, and safe access to weight management injections where appropriate.

Get in touch with us today to book your consultation and take the first step towards safe, sustainable weight loss that fits your life after 40.

This blog was written on behalf of Junction Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.