Why Weight Loss Feels So Hard After 40 (and What Actually Works)

If you’ve ever felt stuck on your weight loss journey… you’re not alone.

You start a new plan, maybe it’s a diet, a workout, or a morning routine, and you tell yourself,
“This time, I’m really doing it.”

You start strong. You’re motivated. You’re focused.
And then…

life happens.

You hit a wall, lose steam, or find yourself right back where you started, wondering why you can’t seem to make it stick.

And if you’re anything like most women in midlife, you start to question yourself.
You think, “What’s wrong with me?”

But here’s the truth: you’re not failing, you’re just in the middle of your story.

Your Weight Loss Journey graphic showing plan vs. reality inspired by a widely shared online concept illustrating nonlinear progress.

The Myth of the Straight Line

We all picture our weight loss journey looking like that neat, straight line from point A to point B predictable, steady, and smooth.

But in reality?
It looks a lot more like this:

Messy.
Nonlinear.
Full of dips, detours, storms, and the occasional meltdown in the kitchen while staring at a jar of almond butter.

And yet… that’s not failure.
That’s the process.

Transformation. Real, lasting transformation…well it NEVER follows a straight line.

The Real Reason Weight Loss Feels So Hard

Most women in midlife aren’t struggling because they lack willpower.

They’re struggling because no one ever prepared them for this part of the journey…what I call the messy middle.

We’ve been told if we just eat right and exercise, the results will follow.

But what no one tells us is what to do when:

• Motivation fades

• Hormones shift

• Life throws us curveballs

When we stop, we think it means we’ve fallen off track.

But what if it actually means we’re right where we’re supposed to be?

You’re not off track! You’re on the exact path you were meant to be on!!!

This is where the growth happens.

The Hero’s Journey and Why It Applies to You

There’s a pattern that exists in every great story ever told, from The Wizard of Oz to The Lord of the Rings to Star Wars.

It’s called The Hero’s Journey, a concept first described by mythologist Joseph Campbell.

Every hero starts in their comfort zone, gets called into something bigger, faces impossible obstacles, meets a guide, and ultimately discovers that the power they needed was inside them all along.

Dorothy didn’t need the wizard.
Frodo didn’t need to be fearless.
Luke didn’t need to be perfect.

And you?

You don’t need to do it perfectly either.

Because your weight loss journey…your transformation…It follows the same pattern.

You’re not broken.
You’re becoming.

Three Ways to Keep Moving Forward (Even When It Feels Impossible)

If you’re stuck in the messy middle right now, here are three things that can shift everything:

1️⃣ Accept the Path as It Is

Stop fighting against it.

The ups and downs, the plateaus, the setbacks… they aren’t proof that you’re failing.
They’re proof that you’re growing.
Every obstacle is direction, not detour.

2️⃣ Keep Moving Forward (Even in Tiny Steps)

Progress isn’t about speed, it’s about momentum.
One small action today creates ripple effects tomorrow.
As I often say to my clients, “consistency is the secret sauce”.

3️⃣ Don’t Go It Alone

Every hero has a guide.
Someone who helps them see what they can’t yet see themselves.
Whether it’s a coach, a friend, or a mentor, having support doesn’t mean you’re weak.
It means you’re wise enough to accept help on the climb.
In fact, every successful person, in every area of life…business, sports, entertainment…they all have a guide

You’re Not Starting Over! You’re Still on the Path

Maybe right now you’re tired.
Maybe you’ve tried everything and you’re wondering if it’s even worth it.

Please hear me:
You are not lost.
You’re not starting over.
You’re still on the path, and every hill you climb is shaping the woman you’re becoming.

This journey isn’t just about losing pounds or inches.
It’s about rediscovering your strength, your confidence, your energy, and your identity.

You’re not failing.
You’re transforming.

A Note from Genny

If this message spoke to you, I’d love for you to watch the full video version here.  It’s a powerful reminder that even when things feel messy, you’re still moving forward.

And if you’re ready to keep walking this journey with me, come hang out over on YouTube. I share weekly videos to help you build energy, balance hormones, and find peace with your body again.

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Or, if you’d like more personalized support, you can learn about my coaching program, The Midlife Metabolism Fix, right here.