Journeys With Jani

Here’s the thing about being a woman over 50: weight doesn’t behave the way it used to. I can remember a time when I could cut back on sweets for a week and—boom!—five pounds gone. These days? Not so much.

That’s why I went to see my own GP today. Before I sign up for any quick weight-loss plan, pill, or injection, I want to know why my body is holding onto this weight in the first place. Is it hormones? Thyroid? Insulin resistance? Stress? Something else entirely? I want to rule things out before I throw money, hope, and effort into something that’s not going to fix the root problem.

Because let’s be honest: all those so-called miracle fixes don’t address the actual cause. If you don’t know what’s happening in your body, you’re setting yourself up to eventually be right back where you started—or even heavier than when you began. I speak from experience, and I say this with love.

The Truth About Weight Struggles Over 50

When we hit that big milestone birthday and beyond, our bodies shift gears. And not always in ways we like. Weight gain and the inability to lose it can be tied to so many things:

Hormonal changes – Menopause brings lower estrogen and progesterone, and that alone can affect metabolism, fat storage, and cravings.

Thyroid issues – An underactive thyroid makes it near impossible to lose weight without medical treatment.

Insulin resistance – Blood sugar swings and pre-diabetes sneak up and slow everything down.

Medications – From antidepressants to steroids to blood pressure meds, many prescriptions list weight gain as a side effect.

Stress & cortisol – Chronic stress makes your body hang onto belly fat like it’s gold.

Sleep changes – Lack of sleep throws hunger and fullness hormones out of whack.

Muscle loss – We lose muscle mass naturally as we age, which slows metabolism.

Other health conditions – PCOS, MS, arthritis, and heart disease can all factor in.

See? It’s not just about “eating less and moving more.” That old advice oversimplifies the truth of what’s happening in a woman’s body at this stage of life.

Why I’m Doing This Differently

Yes, I might end up needing a boost to help me shed some weight. But before I even consider that, I want a clear picture of my health. I want the bloodwork, the answers, the understanding. Because my health is worth more than chasing the next shiny diet trend.

I’m not against weight-loss aids. I support anyone who chooses them for themselves. But my heart wants to remind you—be healthy in the process. Take the time to know what’s going on inside your body before you look for outside fixes.

A Final Word from Experience

I’ve been down this road before. The quick fixes, the crash diets, the promises that this shake or that injection was the answer. And you know what? None of them fixed the why. That’s why I say this as someone who’s been there: don’t come at me like I don’t know what I’m talking about.

If you’re working on losing weight, I’m cheering you on. I truly am. But I want you to succeed in a way that lasts, that builds health, and that makes you feel stronger—not defeated.

So go see your GP. Ask the hard questions. Get the real answers. Because sometimes, it’s not you—it’s your health. ❤️

XOXO, Jani

Journeys With Jani

This journey may not involve a passport or a suitcase, but it’s every bit as important as the ones that do. Journeys With Jani isn’t just about travel—it’s about life, health, family, and finding joy wherever we are. And sometimes, that means giving ourselves permission to slow down, seek answers, and take better care of the only body we’ve got.