3 Hidden Reasons Women Over 40 Gain Weight & Feel Exhausted

Top 3 Tips to Aid in Your Perimenopausal Journey 

Here are 3 simple steps to combat that stubborn weight, fatigue and irritability that doesn’t seem to go away.

1. Regulate your blood sugar - Top best ways to improve this is by increasing your protein intake and using GLP-1s. Not having enough protein in your diet can cause your blood sugar to spike and then drop, resulting in fatigue. Balancing your blood sugar can help to balance your stress hormone cortisol, which gives you sustained energy during the day and restorative sleep at night. Increasing your protein intake is also a valuable way to aid in weight-loss. More protein leaves your feeling full longer, supports muscle maintenance, and boosts your metabolism. Aim for 6-12 grams of protein with each meal. What does that look like? Replace your cereal for eggs in the morning, add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to your salad, add nuts to your snacks in your diet. GLP-1 is one of the best ways to improve blood sugar regulation which is why we encourage women to start it. 

2. Balance your stress hormones - Two of the best ways to do this is to add deep breathing and get a good night sleep. Deep breathing (that mimics a sigh) turns off the flight or flight side of your nervous system allowing your body to send more energy to to you and to stop storing weight (especially around the middle). Getting quality sleep helps support your stress hormone cortisol. Following your natural circadian rhythm by going to bed around 10 PM and waking up around 6-7 AM consistently, is one of the best ways to nourish your nervous system. Try it, and within a week or so you should be able to get through your work day without nodding off at your desk.  

3. Muscle Metabolism

Muscles is the body's metabolic engine. The less lean body mass the more:

• fatigue
• slower metabolism

• increased fat storage
• increased hunger signals

Make sure you are having adequate protein and strength training basics to help keep your metabolism strong. 

 - Dehydration is one of the main culprits contributing to the mid day crash and weight gain. Set a daily goal of drinking ½ your body weight in oz of water (if you weigh 68 kg or 150 lbs that would be 75 oz or 9 cups). To help get this in, start the day with a big glass of water with fresh lemon squeezed into it. Remind yourself to drink water by putting alerts on your phone. Or make drinking water festive by putting it in a fun glass with a sprig of mint and a few frozen blueberries. It may be helpful to fill a pitcher of water with your daily goal amount of water and keep refilling a reusable water bottle. Whatever way works for you, just get that water in! 

Hallie Story 

Real Life Example

Hallie, co-founder of 2 Naturopathic Moms, struggled with stubborn weight gain and exhaustion after 40.

By focusing on hormone balance, blood sugar stability, and metabolic support, she was able to lose 30 pounds and regain her energy.

Her experience helped shape the approach we now use with our clients.

Weight loss after 40 isn't about extreme diets.

It's about supporting the systems that control your metabolism.

When you address stress hormones, blood sugar, and metabolic health, your body can finally begin working with you again.

How to use GLP-1 correctly and protect your metabolism while doing it.

Energy Boosting Checklist

Check these off daily:

•  Drink half your body weight in ounces per day 
•  Add 6-12 grams of protein with breakfast 
•  Add 6- 12 grams of protein with lunch 
•  Have 6-12 grams of protein for supper 
•  Take 3 deep belly breaths at least once a day

Protein Content of Foods

• ½ cup of chickpeas = 7 grams 
• 1 oz of almonds (approx 24 almonds) = 7 grams 
• 1/2 cup of edamame = 8 grams
• 1 tbsp of peanut butter = 7 grams 
• 3 oz serving of chicken (about the size of the palm of your hand) = 24 grams

Medical Disclaimer

While we are doctors, we don’t know you! Therefore, the information in this guide is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have any questions regarding your health, and prior to taking any supplements or undertaking any significant changes to your health care regimen, always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider. The use of any information provided in this guide is solely at your own risk. We do not assume liability for the information contained in this guide, be it direct, consequential, special, exemplary, or other. 

We help perimenopausal women renew their energy, decrease irritability, and shed stubborn weight so they can feel like themselves again.

As Naturopathic Doctors with over 25 years of combined clinical experience, we’ve helped countless women restore their health by addressing the root causes of fatigue, weight gain, and hormonal imbalance. Many women find themselves crashing around 3pm, often a sign of stress-related hormone imbalances affecting energy, sleep, and metabolism.

Sustainable weight loss and lasting energy require more than diet and exercise. Our naturopathic approach focuses on reducing chronic inflammation, balancing hormones, and supporting metabolism.

For women struggling with stubborn weight and metabolic slowdown, we also incorporate GLP-1 medications in a carefully guided way to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce cravings, and support healthy fat metabolism—while ensuring the body is supported nutritionally and hormonally along the way to avoid negative side effects.

By combining medical guidance with naturopathic care, we help women restore energy, rebalance their metabolism, and achieve lasting results—without extreme diets or quick fixes.

Want to learn the full strategy?

Join our free training:

Why Women Over 40 Gain Weight Even When They Eat Healthy

In this training we explain:

• the 3 metabolic systems controlling weight

• how GLP-1 actually works

• the biggest mistakes women make

• how to protect metabolism while losing weight

Save your seat here →