If you’ve been searching for a menopause weight loss success story to prove that change is possible, Jo’s transformation is exactly what you need to hear. Her journey with the Fit Over 40 programme isn’t just about dropping two dress sizes – it’s about getting her confidence back, finding happiness, and finally feeling like herself again.
At TRINITY, we’ve helped over 7,000 women navigate the frustrating world of menopause weight gain—and we’re proud to say 97% of our clients see long-term success. Women come to us feeling like nothing works anymore. They’re eating well, exercising often, but the scales won’t budge, and their bodies feel like strangers.
Jo was one of them. She felt stuck, tired, and defeated by stubborn belly fat and low energy. But with a personalised, hormone-smart approach built for women over 40, Jo didn’t just lose 2 stone, she got her spark (and her waistline) back.
Her menopause weight loss success is proof that your body can change, even when everything says it can’t.
In this article we look at what Jo did differently that enabled her to achieve incredible weight loss success – so you can start seeing the same results. If you’re in your 40s, 50s or 60s and struggling with stubborn weight gain, hormonal changes, and a lack of motivation, keep reading.
Hiding Behind Spanx and Oversized Clothes
By October 2022, Jo had reached the heaviest weight of her adult life. At 11 stone, the same weight she’d been during pregnancy, size 12 clothes were tight, her bras were 36FF, and most of her wardrobe stayed untouched. She found herself hiding in elasticated waistbands and relying on shapewear to feel somewhat presentable.
“I didn’t feel very attractive and stopped wanting to be intimate with my partner. Until I came across Trinity I had started to believe it was age and menopause related and there was no escaping – especially when I looked around and saw my female peers similarly changing shape round the middle. I figured I would just have to get used to it.”
But deep down, she was angry at herself. Her body ached in the mornings, and the vibrant woman she once was felt like a stranger. She knew something had to change.
Common Struggles For Women After 40
Jo’s story echoes what many women experience during this phase of life – constant stress, zero energy, and no time to focus on themselves.
Her job was sedentary, she averaged 2,000 steps a day, and even though she started cycling during lockdown, it didn’t budge the scales. Like many of us, Jo turned to wine and chocolate to cope with stress and boredom.
“My daughter had been increasingly showing anxiety and depression… her recovery became my sole focus. When I did have time to myself I would drink – either sharing a bottle of wine or two with my partner to get rid of the stress, or hoovering up cocktails (passionfruit martinis & cosmos) with the girls on a night out. Inside I realised I was deeply unhappy and not treating myself well. I was always last on the list and I didn’t know how to get out of it.”
Putting yourself last is a common theme we see in many of our clients, especially mums who are used to taking care of everyone else. But prioritising yourself isn’t selfish – it’s essential. When you show up for yourself, you can show up stronger for those around you.
That’s why we encourage every woman in our programme to carve out at least 30 minutes each week that’s just for them. It’s a small habit that can spark massive transformation.
Here are some simple ways to de-stress and start reclaiming that time:
- Go for a walk in nature (without your phone!)
- Try a 10-minute guided meditation
- Read a book with a cup of tea
- Journal your thoughts or write down what you’re grateful for
- Listen to music you love and dance around the kitchen
- Soak in a bubble bath
- Book a workout session and protect it like a meeting
It’s not about doing everything. It’s about doing something – and reminding yourself that you matter.
The Cycle of Food Cravings and Guilt
Before starting Trinity, Jo was stuck in a pattern of emotional eating. Chocolate, wine, and quick fixes were her go-to after long, stressful days. She didn’t realise how much these foods were affecting her mood, her sleep, and her waistline.
She felt out of control and guilty – stuck in a loop of wanting to do better, but not knowing how.
Why We Cut Out WADS Foods (and What That Means)
When Jo joined Trinity, she followed one of our key principles: cutting out WADS foods — Wheat, Alcohol, Dairy, and Sugar — for a short period.
The reason behind why we do this:
- Wheat can contribute to bloating and inflammation, especially in women with insulin resistance or gluten sensitivity.
- Alcohol disrupts hormone balance, increases oestrogen, and adds empty calories that are stored as fat – particularly around the belly.
- Dairy is inflammatory for many women in menopause due to changing lactose tolerance and can cause digestive issues.
- Sugar spikes insulin, worsens cravings, disrupts sleep, and promotes fat storage.
If you feel stuck in a loop of unhealthy snacking or drinking to “unwind,” this short-term reset can be a total game-changer.
And for Jo, this reset helped her:
- Break the cycle of cravings
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve digestion
- Feel more in control of her habits
“I was SO relieved to learn that I could kick sugar and alcohol. They didn’t control me,”.
The result? Her morning aches disappeared within weeks, and she felt more energised than she had in years.
Why Strength Training Is The Key To Weight Loss After 40
Before Trinity, Jo had tried cycling and other cardio, but saw no changes in her shape. Despite the effort, her body wasn’t responding the way she’d hoped, and her confidence continued to dip.
“I did very little but during lockdown took up cycling 3x a week for 40 mins to get me “fit” and out of the house. I was really disappointed that it made zero impact on my physique or weight.”
Like many women in menopause, Jo didn’t realise that cardio alone wasn’t enough – she needed something different.
With the Fit Over 40 approach, Jo committed to three strength workouts per week. Not only did the weight start to come off, but her shape dramatically changed – especially in her arms, which she now proudly calls her favourite feature!
Plus, strength training helps:
- Rebuild muscle lost through menopause
- Increase metabolism
- Strengthen bones and joints
- Improve mood and energy
“I realised my mind went quiet when working out. It became my ME time. Doing weights is now who I am.”
The Results: From Size 12 to Size 8 & A Whole New Mindset
Jo lost 1 stone in the first 12 weeks and eventually dropped 2 stone over the year. But the scale wasn’t the biggest win, it was how she felt.
She went from a size 12 to a size 8. Her aches and pains vanished. Her entire wardrobe fit again, and she bought new, tighter-fitting clothes for the first time in years.
But the real transformation? It happened inside.
“Most powerfully, I have discovered an inner strength… finally having control over the most important aspects of my life. My mind and body.”
Jo no longer feels like she’s at the mercy of hormones or stress. She’s built strength – physical and emotional – that she never knew she had.
Why Mindset is the Missing Piece
Jo’s biggest lesson wasn’t how to eat clean or lift weights – it was learning how to prioritise herself. Our programme taught her that self-care isn’t selfish. In fact, it’s essential.
“The programme has transformed my prioritising of myself. Even during my daughter’s illness, I got up and did the workouts. It gave me something that was just for me.”
That mindset shift – putting herself on the list – created a ripple effect in her health, confidence, and family life. She now sees herself not just as a mum or partner, but as a strong, capable woman who deserves to feel good in her skin. And you do too.
How Trinity Can Help You Transform Your Body And Mindset
At Trinity, we know how frustrating it is when your old methods stop working. You’re doing “all the right things” and still gaining weight. It’s not your fault. Your body has changed, and it needs a new approach.
That’s why our Fit Over 40 programme is designed specifically for women in menopause. We understand the hormonal shifts, the emotional toll, and how hard it is to juggle everything while trying to feel good in your own body.
With the right coach, the right plan, and a community who gets it, everything can change.
And we get it if you may be skeptical, but we have helped over 7000 women just like Jo, achieve incredible results and we can help you too.
Here’s what’s included in Trinity:
- A personalised strength training plan tailored to your age and goals
- Nutrition coaching with flexible, sustainable guidelines (no calorie counting!)
- Accountability and support from experienced coaches
- Tools to improve mindset and emotional eating patterns
- Access to a community of like-minded women who get it
