Thanks for everyone's words of wisdom.
I gained weight due to work stress. My work stress was so bad I did not even notice peri-menopause.
I did not have hot flashes so I had no clue. Work stress eliminated and I am finding myself again. Folks are now telling me I lost too much weight and look better having gained some weight. The irony is I don't look haggard, stressed, and sleep deprived. It isn't the weight.
I think wearing clothes that fit makes a difference, too.
I lost weight due to writing down every morsel I put in my mouth. Nothing like looking at the truth.
I have exercised on and off for years. I swear Classical Stretch/Essentrics gave me my figure back. It is not the figure I had at 25 or 35. But I feel great. I still have the extra saggy skin but such is life. Thank goodness for Under Armour.