Talking with Emma: Stop fighting food & weight

11: How to Feel Calm if You’ve Put on Weight in Your Midlife Body

Emma Wright

If you've recently put on weight and found yourself spiralling — even though you know diets don't work — this episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, we talk about what to do when your body changes and panic sets in. When the old food and body thoughts are loud. When you feel ashamed for even caring, but can't stop thinking about it.

You’ll hear the story of a smart, capable midlife woman who said, "I hate that I care about this so much. I feel like I should know better."
And we unpack exactly why that reaction makes perfect sense — and how you can start feeling calmer, more grounded, and more in charge of your response.

We’re not talking about body love or body positivity.
 We’re talking about something more powerful: self-respect, even in the hard moments.

In this episode, I share a 4-step self-coaching tool to help you:

  • Understand why you feel unsettled after gaining weight (even if you're anti-diet)
  • Soothe the shame and reactivity without falling back into control tactics
  • Choose a kind, respectful response — without needing to fake confidence
  • Create physical comfort to support emotional calm

This episode will help you stop abandoning yourself — and start staying with yourself — when your body changes.

🎧 Listen now to learn:

  • Why shame after weight gain isn’t personal failure — it’s cultural conditioning
  • How to work with your brain’s autopilot, instead of against it
  • What to do with those harsh thoughts about your changing body
  • Why comfort (yes, including good underwear) is a powerful first step toward calm


If you liked this episode and want to stay connected with Emma and the tools she shares, the next best step is to download the Midlife Body Image Guide. You'll also get first access to free masterclasses on emotional eating, body acceptance, and getting obsessive food thinking out of your brain.

Links & Resources:
🎧 Download the Midlife Body Image Guide + audio guide. 


Curious about working together?
I’m currently taking private clients. Book a consultation where will discuss what you want to achieve, what you’ve currently been doing, and you’ll leave with a clear step-by-step individualised plan to achieve it. Whether I can help you archive your goal or not, you’ll leave knowing what the next steps are.


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