A woman in midlife who’s diet and exercise regime hasn’t changed asks why do women get more belly fat in midlife, while also wondering what can be done about it. Jessica explains the many reasons behind both body composition changes and weight gain during perimenopause and menopause and then offers some tips on how to approach the issue. Ask Jessica is an advice column for women in midlife. We cover all things related to midlife

A woman feels overlooked by an old friend and asks Jessica, how do I know when an adult friendship is over? And then wonders how to handle the situation. Jessica offers a variety of approaches for the woman to take and offers a new way of looking at the situation. Ask Jessica is an advice column for women in midlife. We cover all things related to midlife from changing bodies to career transitions to parenting

A woman who is about to reach menopause suddenly finds herself mourning the loss of her period and wonders, is it normal to be sad about reaching menopause? Jessica normalizes the sadness and then suggests ways to embrace, or at least accept, the change. Ask Jessica is an advice column for women in midlife. We cover all things related to midlife from changing bodies to career transitions to parenting teens to sandwich generation challenges to

A woman in midlife desperately misses nights out on the town that involve dancing, but feel self-conscious about showing up at clubs at her age. Jessica shares thoughts on overcoming fear of going out dancing in midlife, including a mindset shift and practical tips on finding good spots. Ask Jessica is an advice column for women in midlife. We cover all things related to midlife from changing bodies to career transitions to parenting teens to

With her kid in college, a mother faces her first holidays and birthdays without her child at home and asks about how to navigate the heartbreak of empty nesting through holidays and birthdays. Jessica offers some consolation as well as ideas on how to start new traditions to help fill the hole. Ask Jessica is an advice column for women in midlife. We cover all things related to midlife from changing bodies to career transitions