At menopause, many women experience weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. This is not only normal but necessary, in order to keep estrogen levels at an optimal level. However, too much belly fat will create estrogen dominance, then belly fat becomes an organ that produces excess estrogen, leading to hormonal imbalances and more weight gain.
Other Causes
Other than declining hormone levels, there are many factors that can contribute to weight gain during Menopause. Age-related loss of muscle tissue can certainly be an issue. As we get older and more sedentary, muscles start to atrophy, possibly losing as much as 3-5% muscle mass each decade after age 30. Muscle is more metabolically active than fat, which means it burns more calories when you’re at rest. Muscle is also denser than fat, meaning it takes up less space. This is why exercise, such as regular weight training, is so important throughout our lives and especially during Menopause.
During the Menopause, women often experience gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as indigestion, nausea, or bloating as well as the more common menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and insomnia. This bloating and water retention can definitely translate to extra kilos on the scale and a thicker waistline. Lack of sleep can also be a contributing factor to weight gain.
What is the Solution?
Despite these changes, weight gain after menopause is definitely avoidable. It’s important to remember that maintaining a healthy weight is especially important after menopause, as extra weight increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.
Menopause can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. It’s a very difficult time in a woman’s life. However, eating a nutritious diet and getting the right exercise can help prevent weight gain and reduce the risk of disease. It is also important to find ways to reduce stress, for which practices such as Yoga and Meditation can be especially helpful.
To learn about the best ways to manage menopausal symptoms and embrace aging in a positive manner, please check out The Age-Defying Video Program. This video program helps to take the guesswork out of what to eat, how to exercise and what supplements to take, to make this transition as smooth as possible.
