Everything They Told You About Menopause Weight Loss is Wrong: A Personal Reflection.
If you’ve been through menopause, you know all too well how much it can turn your world upside down. The hot flashes, the mood swings, the disrupted sleep—and, of course, the weight gain that seems to arrive overnight and stubbornly refuses to leave. I’ve been there. I’ve stood in front of the mirror, wondering why my usual diet and exercise routine no longer worked, and feeling frustrated by the lack of answers.
That’s why Ailsa Hichens’ new book, Everything They Told You About Menopause Weight Loss is Wrong: Evidence Based – No Bullsht. A Guide for Real Women who Want to Fix their Midlife Metabolism*, feels like a breath of fresh air. For so long, we’ve been fed the same tired advice: eat less, move more, and just try harder. But what if the problem isn’t effort? What if the real issue is that the old rules simply don’t apply anymore?
A Science-Backed Approach That Works
Ailsa Hichens, a menopause expert and registered nutritionist, unpacks the truth: declining oestrogen changes everything, including our metabolism. And yet, the world still clings to the outdated notion that all we need is a little more willpower. In reality, midlife weight gain isn’t a failure—it’s biology. Hichens’ book is here to set the record straight and give us the tools we need to work with our hormones, not against them.
One of her key messages resonates deeply with me: “Fixing your metabolism improves all menopausal symptoms—not just weight.” When I started focusing on my overall health rather than just the number on the scale, everything changed. I had more energy, better sleep, and fewer mood swings. This book validates that experience with science and offers a roadmap to real, lasting change.
No Fads, No Gimmicks—Just Real Solutions
Unlike so many “miracle” diets, Everything They Told You About Menopause Weight Loss is Wrong isn’t about deprivation. It’s not about starving yourself, surviving on salads, or spending hours in the gym. Instead, it breaks down the essentials:
- What to eat and when to eat to support your changing metabolism
- The power of fasting (when done correctly) for women over 40
- Lifestyle tweaks that make a real difference—like improving sleep and managing stress
- Practical, real-life strategies to regain energy, confidence, and a sense of control
This book understands that menopause isn’t just about weight—it’s about how we feel in our bodies and our daily lives. It’s about reclaiming our strength and vitality without guilt or unrealistic expectations.
The Author Says
Ailsa Hichens explains, “One of the key messages I want to convey is that declining oestrogen affects every aspect of midlife metabolism. While weight gain is a major concern for many women, fixing your metabolism improves all menopausal symptoms—not just weight. The challenge with menopause advice is that everything feels important, and that’s true. But my book helps women identify their personal priorities and start there. It’s a practical, engaging guide that walks through the science (in a helpful, not dull way—no boring biology lessons!), what to eat, how to eat, the lifestyle changes that make a real difference, and, most importantly, how to apply the science to everyday life.”
About the Author
Ailsa Hichens is a BANT (British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine) registered nutritionist specialising in menopause and midlife health. Based in Chelmsford, Essex, she offers consultations nationwide via Zoom. With over 10 years of experience helping women improve their health and happiness, she is deeply passionate about making health education accessible, practical, and life changing. Her approach is evidence-based and rooted in real-life application—helping women navigate midlife with confidence, knowledge, and empowerment.
A Must-Read for Women in Midlife
With over 13 million women in the UK currently perimenopausal or menopausal, Ailsa Hichens’ work couldn’t be more timely. If you’ve been frustrated by diets that don’t work, exhausted by conflicting advice, or simply looking for a way to feel like yourself again, this book is for you.
Reading it felt like having a conversation with a knowledgeable friend—one who truly understands, has done the research, and genuinely wants to help. And as someone who has walked this path, I can say without hesitation: the right information changes everything.
So, if you’re tired of feeling stuck and ready to make real, lasting changes, this is the guide you’ve been waiting for. Because midlife isn’t the end of feeling great—it’s just the beginning of doing things differently and doing them right.
Poppy Watt