weight loss over 40

Question
Dear Kimberly,
I'm 42, 5'1", and would like to lose about 25 pounds and begin a program to get in really good physical shape.  What I have noticed is that I cannot lose weight like I could when I was younger.  It seems that I have to practically starve myself just to get a few pounds off. I do have a very, very slow metabolizm...(low thyroxin) I have tried the "consuming small meals more often" approach but I will actually gain or plateau. I have tried the over the counter"metabolism boosters and fat burners" to no avail.
Questions: are there any foods,medications,prescriptions, herbs, etc.. which really do increase over 40 metabolism that I could try? what else could I do to jump start a faster metabolism?   I bought the book "eat right 4 your type" on a friends suggestion and it says that an exercise like pilates is more beneficial to me than running or any vigorous exercise.. what is your take on this?  thank you...

Answer
There is nothing that increases your metabolism besides exercise.  You really would benefit from visiting with a dietitian.  That way you can find out exactly how many calories you are eating and what you need to eat to support weight loss.  Sometimes it seems that we are eating much less than we really are.  A dietitian could get you on a sensible and realistic eating plan that would not only facilitate weight loss but that would teach you to eat healthy for a lifetime.  I would not waste your money on fad diets, herbs, supplements, etc...  They will NOT work!  As I stated above, you are better off spending money on the expert in the field and that is a dietitian.  Find out how to do it right the first time so you are not trying every fad diet out there and just getting more and more frustrated!  
As far as exercise, if you move your body everyday you will benefit yourself.  So any type of exercise that you enjoy will be beneficial.  I do not agree with the "Eat Right 4 Your Type" book.  There is no scienfitic evidence to support what they are trying to sell.  Remember that whatever you do has to be realistic enough to stick with for life!  
To find a dietitian in your area check out www.eatright.org.
Good Luck,
Kim Tessmer, RD LD
www.Nutrifocus.net

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