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Woman Lost 38 Pounds After 45 With Daily Walks and These 2 Simple Changes

One weight loss warrior and coach reveals the easy habits that helped her get in shape.

Do you want to lose weight simply by making a few simple changes? Melissa Chiappone, AKA Mel the Midlife Health & Fitness Coach, lost 38 pounds in her late 40s and helps other women do the same. In a new social media post, she delves into her transformation, revealing what it took to slim down. "Doing three things consistently for the last five years has changed my entire life!

At 45, She Weighed 171 Pounds

Melissa explains that she used to struggle with weight. "Just 5 years ago, at age 45, I weighed 171 lbs at 5'7". I was heavier than I had been while I was pregnant. I blamed it on hormones and perimenopause," she says in the post.

These Were Her Unhealthy Habits

"I was eating salad almost every single day, but I would binge at night. I was running 3 miles almost every single day. I was drinking 3-4 times a week. I'd buy box wine because I wouldn't drink a single bottle, and it works. It just goes to waste (at least that's what I told myself, but it was always available)," she continues.

Now She Is Almost 50 and Weighs 133 Pounds

However, she decided to change her life. "Fast forward 5 years to the present, and I will turn 50 in November," she writes. "I weigh 133 pounds. I feel and look better than I did in my 20s," she writes.

Here Is What She Did

Melissa changed her approach to exercise and diet. "I repaired my relationship with food. I gave up running and started walking. I rarely eat salad! I drink 3-4/month if that," she reveals.

She Walked at Least 8,000 Steps a Day

"Doing these three things consistently changed my entire life," she says. "These three things can change your life too. I promise." The first thing she did? "Walking 8k steps minimum each day (usually aim for 10k)," she says.

She Lifted Weights

Melissa also incorporated strength training into her routine. "Started weight training a minimum of 4 times per week," she says. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills

She Amped Up Her Protein Intake

She also amped up her protein intake. "Started prioritizing protein and Whole Foods, but don't restrict any foods," she concluded. According to clinical trials, consuming more protein than the recommended dietary allowance not only reduces body weight (BW) but also enhances body composition by decreasing fat mass while preserving fat-free mass (FFM) in both low-calorie and standard-calorie diets.

Building Strength Is Key, She Says in Another Post

In another post, she discusses the importance of building strength. "Strong is the new confidence! If your goal is to be strong and confident in midlife and beyond, keep reading! Forget the old ideas of what confidence looks like. In midlife, it's all about being STRONG," she writes.

RELATED: This Mom Lost 135 Pounds Without Exercise and These Are the Foods She Cut Out

It Helps Build Confidence

"The truth is, when you build physical strength, your confidence follows naturally. It's not just about how you look—it's about what your body can do. Every rep, every set, and every step forward is a reminder of your power and resilience. This is empowerment!" she continues.

And, Changes Your Mindset

"When you focus on getting stronger, you're not just changing your muscles—you're changing your mindset. Strong women aren't just confident in their bodies, and they're confident in their lives. Long gone are the days of women wanting to be skinny!" she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Leah Groth
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related. Read more