If you are reading this, chances are you have said this at least once:
“I eat better than before… so why is weight loss after 35 so hard?”
You are not imagining things.
And no, your body is not broken.
As a naturopathic chef and co-founder of MyAuthentikSpoon, I work with women every day who feel confused, tired, and sometimes even betrayed by their bodies.
The same meals that worked at 30 no longer move the scale.
The same workouts feel harder.
And belly fat suddenly appears, even when nothing “changed.”
The truth is simple and reassuring:
your body did change, and it now needs a different approach.
Let me explain why results become harder to achieve after your mid-30s, without fear, without medical jargon, and with real solutions that actually work.
Why weight loss after 35 feels so different
Your hormones are shifting, quietly
After 35, hormones do not disappear overnight. They fluctuate.
This affects:
- insulin sensitivity
- appetite and cravings
- where your body stores fat
- your energy and recovery
That is why many women say:
“I cannot lose weight anymore, even though I eat less.”
It is not about eating less. It is about eating smarter for your hormones.
access to a free nutrition and wellness training and many more features & wellness programs.
Insulin resistance and blood sugar: the silent blocker
One of the biggest changes I see in women over 35 is reduced insulin sensitivity.
In simple words:
- your body does not handle sugar and refined carbs as easily as before
- blood sugar spikes happen faster
- fat storage, especially around the belly, increases over time
This is why:
- skipping meals backfires
- constant snacking leads to fatigue and weight gain
- extreme diets stop working
This is also why lasting results now depend on:
- balanced meals
- protein at every meal
- stable blood sugar, not restriction
Estrogen and progesterone: when balance matters more than ever
Hormonal changes and weight gain are closely linked at this stage of life.
Estrogen and progesterone start to fluctuate, not disappear. This can lead to:
- water retention
- mood changes
- fatigue and weight gain
- increased cravings before your period
Many women think they need to eat less.
What they actually need is to support hormone balance.
This means:
- regular meals
- enough healthy fats
- anti-inflammatory foods
- better stress management
Cortisol, stress, and fat storage over time
Stress hits differently after 35.
Cortisol, your stress hormone, tells your body to:
- hold on to fat
- slow down fat burning
- protect energy reserves
This explains why:
- intense cardio increases belly fat over time
- poor sleep blocks progress
- constant “pushing harder” leads to burnout
Stress and weight gain are deeply connected.
Fat loss works best when the nervous system feels safe.
Muscle loss with age and why strength training for women matters
Here is a fact many women do not hear often enough:
After 35, we naturally lose muscle if we do not use it.
Muscle loss with age leads to:
- a slower metabolism over time
- lower energy
- more fat storage
- harder fat loss
This is why strength training for women is not about “bulking.”
It is about:
- supporting metabolism
- protecting bones
- improving insulin sensitivity
- making results sustainable long term
Even 2 to 3 short sessions per week can change everything.
Fatigue, low energy, and slower recovery over time
Many women tell me:
“I want to exercise, but I am exhausted.”
Low energy after 35 is real.
Between hormones, stress, poor sleep, and inflammation, recovery slows down.
This leads to:
- fatigue and weight gain
- poor motivation
- frustration and guilt
This is where rest becomes part of the plan, not a failure.
Better results often come from:
- less intensity
- more consistency
- better recovery
- smarter movement
Inflammation, gut health, and detox at this stage of life
Inflammation is one of the most underestimated reasons women struggle to lose fat at this stage.
Chronic inflammation affects:
- hormones
- digestion
- energy
- fat burning
Gut health also plays a key role:
- bloating hides progress
- poor digestion affects nutrient absorption
- inflammation slows metabolism
This is why detox and anti-inflammatory habits matter more now than ever.
Not extreme detoxes.
But daily choices that calm the body.
The key to sustainable results at this stage of life
Long-term results are not about fighting your body.
It is about:
- understanding how your metabolism changes with age
- working with hormones, not against them
- reducing inflammation
- building muscle
- managing stress
- creating healthy habits that last
When women stop blaming themselves and start supporting their bodies, results finally appear.
Join me live: free masterclass on inflammation & omega 3
OMEGA 3 & INFLAMMATION – Reduce inflammation, support hormones, and restore energy
👉 Join the Free masterclass with Dr. Henkel and learn how to effectively add omega-3 to your diet
📅 Tuesday, Jan 27th | 8 PM Dubai time (5PM CET) | FREE
In this masterclass, I will explain:
- how inflammation blocks fat loss and recovery
- why omega-3 plays a key role in hormones and recovery
- how hemp seeds support energy, gut health, and anti-inflammatory balance
- simple ways to feel better without restriction
Ready to reset gently and sustainably?
Ready to support your body at this stage of life? Join our FREE 5-Day Body Reset Challenge – 1-6 Feb 2026 and start the year feeling lighter, more energized, and more in tune with your body in just 5 days.
If you feel:
- stuck with slower results than before
- tired, inflamed, or bloated
- unsure where to start
👉 Sign up for the 5-Day Body Reset Challenge (Feb 1-26)
Join our Free 5-Day Body Reset Challenge – February Edition
📅 Feb 1–6, 2026
Inside the challenge, we focus on:
- common challenges women face in their mid-30s and beyond
- stress and cortisol
- energy and digestion
- inflammation and gut health
- simple, sustainable habits
- expert-led daily support
👉 Register for the free challenge here
A final word from me
Understanding your body is not the end of your weight loss journey.
It is the beginning of lasting results, better energy, and a healthier relationship with food and yourself.
You are not late.
You are right on time.
Let’s continue learning & growing together!
• Explore our blog for naturopathic recipes and wellness advice.
• Sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive health content straight to your inbox.
• Share your thoughts and comments on social media and tag us with #myauthentikspoon
About the author
Asmaa Lahlou is the co-founder of MyAuthentikSpoon, a naturopathic program dedicated to empowering individuals to make smarter food choices for improved well-being. If you’re ready to tackle wellness with a fresh perspective, schedule a complimentary private consultation with Asmaa to receive personalised dietary insights and weight management strategies. This is your opportunity to have your questions answered and to learn how to incorporate the food choices into your lifestyle and achieve a better wellbeing.
