I first want to say this is not a post to bash overweight people at all. I am just wondering.

Today while walking my dogs I saw a woman I knew a long time ago. When I knew her, she was about 30 and was trim and in shape. She obviously knew how to keep in shape. She's an intelligent woman and knows how to eat.

Fast forward 15 years. She is over 45...she is very fat. Tonight I saw a protruding belly..just heavy and fat. And has been this way for awhile.

Knowing that she is smart enough to know what to do to stay slim, why is she fat? Why do some people (and I am mostly thinking of women here) get fat when they get older and others no? What is the difference?

I felt a little freaked and had a great deal of compassion for her. Surely, she must not be happy about it. Also, I am over 40, have always been fit and svelte but wonder if I'll change too, or will have to do something different.

I know both types...women who have gained and women who have not. What is the difference?