'Small puzzle piece' can slow fat gain after age 40 – gym mum shares how

A fitness fanatic has opened up about how women over 40 can halt fat gain thanks to a 'small piece of the perimenopausal puzzle' – here's what she had to say

Ageing isn't always simple, and one of the challenges that often comes with it is weight gain. This can happen for a number of reasons and can sometimes make it difficult for women to maintain their confidence as they age.

However, one mum insists there are simple measures you can take to prevent weight gain. Shannon Collins, known to her 150,000 Instagram followers as The Gym Nurse, is a familiar face in the online health and fitness community.

She is recognised for candidly sharing her own weight loss journey and has some sage advice to offer. She said it's just a "small piece of the perimenopause puzzle", but notes women can reach a stage where they need to be more mindful of their habits.

Despite maintaining her gym routine and daily walks, the fitness enthusiast experienced a dip in energy levels and found it increasingly difficult to get off the couch. She acknowledges it's normal for energy levels to drop during hormonal changes and periods of poor sleep.

However, she credits one simple change for helping her regain control, and that's tracking her steps. In a recent Instagram post, Shannon explained: "A watch won't pick up every little activity you do, but it shows a lot. And you can take an honest look at all the data and compare, especially if you've been wearing one for years."

"Keeping an eye on my steps daily is the only way I can ensure I get enough movement. Because, at this point in my life, I don't have a big desire to be as active as I was a couple of years ago.

"The other thing that has saved me is my previous years investing in building muscle. Having more muscle has allowed me to burn calories when I'm not exercising, and my body isn't as sensitive to gaining fat. Even without tracking every calorie."

Shannon emphasised that using a tracker can help ensure you're moving as much as you think you are, which can prevent long-term weight gain, provided your diet remains consistent.

Since sharing her advice, Shannon's post has received over 1,000 likes and dozens of comments from women seeking tips on boosting their energy levels.

One follower shared: "I love to track my steps. It has made me so much more self-aware, and motivated to get my NEAT."

Another added: "This matters post-menopause too. I hit my 10,000 steps each day."

A third commented: "I'm 66, and I track my steps. I'm still working three days a week, constantly on my feet. I'm now taking myself back to the gym to do some weight training. Your advice is excellent."