The Brutal Truth About Exercise and Weight Loss No One Tells You

You’ve heard it a million times: “Just exercise more and the weight will come off.”

Sure, moving your body is wonderful for energy, your mood, and overall health (it's one of my fave things). But here’s the problem — if you’re over 35, working harder and longer sessions in the gym doesn’t guarantee weight loss (especially belly weight). In fact, it can do the opposite.

As a dietitian in Townsville, I see women exhausted, frustrated, and stuck in the “exercise more, eat less, stress more” cycle. Let’s break it down.

1. Sweat More, Weigh Less? Not Quite…

More exercise doesn’t always equal more weight loss. When your body is stressed from overtraining, it produces cortisol — the stress hormone that tells your body to hold onto fat. Yes, even if you’re running 5 km every morning. Less can sometimes be more, if what you’re doing actually works for your body.

2. You Can’t Out-Run Your Fork

This one’s brutal but true: no matter how much you move, if your diet is off, weight loss stalls. Skipping protein? Eating too many processed carbs? Ignoring healthy fats and fibre? Your body clings to weight as a survival mechanism.

That’s why having a nutritionist guide your nutrition is a game-changer. You finally get a plan that works with your body, not against it.

3. Overtraining = Overstressed (and Stuck!)

Pushing your workouts to the max might feel productive, but it can slow metabolism, disrupt hormones, and leave you wiped out. Your body needs smart, consistent exercise paired with proper recovery — not endless cardio that leaves you tired and frustrated.

4. Emotional Eating Wins Every Time

Stress, boredom, or habit drives more eating than actual hunger. Exercising more might distract you temporarily, but it won’t fix underlying patterns. Learning how to stabilise your blood sugar, enjoy satisfying meals, and manage cravings is what actually moves the needle.

5. Balance Beats Extremes — Every. Single. Time.

“Eat less, move more” is a trap, especially for women over 35. Hormones, energy, and metabolism thrive on balance. Focus on steady, consistent movement, hitting protein and fibre goals, and building habits that last — without punishing workouts or strict diets.

Bottom Line...

If you’ve been trying to exercise your way to weight loss and getting nowhere, it’s not you — it’s the advice. Weight loss is smarter, not harder. The right combination of nutrition, movement, and lifestyle habits works with your body, not against it.

Tired of spinning your wheels and getting no-where?

Book your appointment with me, your Townsville dietitian, and let’s get you in the best shape of your life (I'm 43 and never been as strong, tight and toned in my entire life) — without the stress, the fad diets, or the guesswork. It’s time to finally see results that stick. FOREVER!

BOOK HERE