Check Your Hormone Levels As we age, progesterone, testosterone, and other hormones decline, which may set the body up for storing fat instead of losing weight, says Jennifer Burns, N.M.D., a naturopathic physician in Phoenix. If they're out of whack, taking the steps to get your thyroid, adrenal glands, and other hormone levels back into balance can go a long way toward helping people in their 50s lose weight, says Burns. Set Realistic Goals Declaring that you’re going to lose 20 pounds before your beach vacation next month is unrealistic, not to mention unhealthy. “Be honest with yourself. How do you feel? How healthy are you? Making life changes takes courage and mental fortitude,†says Dr. Petre. Break up big goals into smaller, more achievable ones. Focusing on how you're feelin