I gained weight fast on HRT - over 1/2 stone in 10 weeks, so I stopped it as I didn't feel any better for it. I didn't change my diet or exercise at all, so it was definitely the HRT. I've found by far the easiest and most effective thing for losing weight is intermittent fasting, doing 16:8 - that's fasting for 16 hours with an 8 hour eating window. I also did 3 days a week on about 800 calories, and "normal" but sensible eating the other 4 days. I was pretty hungry for about the first week on my "fasting" days, but it's surprising how your body adapts, and after a couple of weeks it was much easier. I ate twice a day, between about 2 and 10pm, I find that if I don't eat till later, I'm much less hungry. I read the Kate Harrison 5:2 Diet book, and the Michael Mosley Fast Diet for info and motivation, both very good and easy to read.
I lost weight much faster than calorie counting with 3 meals a day, plus a few snacks. I lost about 3 pounds a week instead of 1/2 pound a week with cc. I lost weight off my abdomen too, usually it comes off everywhere but my stomach! 😬 I felt better than I had for years too, more energy and a general feeling of wellbeing.
One of the reasons why it's so effective is because less insulin is circulating, which is the fat storage hormone. Every time you eat your pancreas releases insulin, so the more often you eat, the more insulin you release. Unfortunately I struggle with overeating for emotional reasons and out of boredom, so have been on and off it a few times. I'm about to give it another go, I've got into really bad eating habits due to lockdown through loneliness, and not having anything better to do, so have put on quite a bit of weight. 🙁 I know a couple of other people who've had great success with it too, and also find it much easier than traditional dieting, so I'd encourage anyone to give it a go.
