I'm 46 as well and have been told the weight is due to hormones and age. I never struggled with my weight ever until I had COVID. Not even when I was pregnant did I struggle with my weight or losing the baby weight. I had COVID in January of 2022. Went from 120 to 135 in a few weeks. Went to the doctor and they couldn't see anything wrong. I didn't change my eating habits as I follow an AIP diet. And I exercise regularly. Held steady at 140 no matter what I did. Contracted COVID again in August 2022. Put on another 15 pounds within weeks so was at 150. And doctors have zero answers other than I have elevated cortisol levels. No answer on how to lower that level. Well was sick a couple weeks ago which felt like when I had COVID (tested negative twice) but have been putting on weight rapidly again. I am now at 156 and climbing. I'm only 5'2" so I am swollen and look pregnant. My shoes don't even fit anymore because of how swollen I am. And for how many people are on this forum there has to be a correlation between COVID and weight gain that has nothing to do with over eating.