Menopausal Weight Gain Causes & Remedies

Reduced estrogen levels can lower metabolic rate leading to less energy levels which in turn leads to less physical activity, making it difficult to lose weight easily.

It appears that menopause and weight gain are quite closely linked – or why would women begin to gain weight after menopause?  Gaining weight is common among women aged 50 and above, and more so with those who have attained menopause. Most of this weight gain is centered along the abdominal area. As we all know, weight gain is an invitation to various health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.

So, what are menopausal weight gain causes?

There are several factors that contribute to weight gain in women and menopause is one of them. To understand the reason for menopause and weight gain, let us first understand what happens during menopause.  The hormone estrogen is responsible for controlling body weight. After menopause, the body produces less estrogen.

Reduced estrogen levels can lower metabolic rate leading to less energy levels which in turn leads to less physical activity, making it difficult to lose weight easily.

With low estrogen levels, the body does not use the starches and sugars in the blood effectively leading to storage of fat. Also, as you age, your energy levels are on the lower side making it difficult to exercise, thus contributing to weight gain. Losing muscle mass as you age is another cause for lower metabolism and this may make it easier to gain weight.

As you age, your lifestyle changes to a more relaxed pace. Your diet may change during the middle years and this factor could also have an impact on your weight loss efforts.

What are the remedies for Menopausal weight gain?   

Each woman is different and so what works for someone else may not work for you. To find a remedy for menopause and weight gain, it is always better to consult your doctor who understands your medical history and thus knows what’s best for you.

But, apart from consulting your doctor, you can go ahead and take some steps to control menopausal weight gain. A healthy, balanced diet works wonders for your body so try to stick to a low fat, high fiber diet.

Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise will boost your metabolism. Also aim for at least half an hour of physical activity like walking, everyday.
Strength training exercises will help you maintain muscle mass which is an important factor in controlling your weight.

In order to manage menopausal weight gain, it is better to avoid crash diets. Crash diets demand that you reduce your food intake drastically or that you avoid certain foods altogether within a short time. This practice can lead to unnecessary weight gain once you stop the diet program.

Perimenopause:

Perimenopause is the natural hormonal fluctuations that occur in the body as a woman approaches menopause. Signs and Symptoms of Menopause include irregular or heavy bleeding after menopause, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, migraine, insomnia, abdominal weight gain, etc. This phase of perimenopause can last for years before you attain menopause.  Your body is experiencing hormonal changes during this time which may also lead to perimenopause weight gain.

To know more about menopausal weight gain causes, remedies, and A To Z of Menopause syndromes, etc. check out http://mrcw.com.au/menorexia/weight-gain/.

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MENOPAUSE RESOURCE CENTRE
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Email: info@mrcw.com.au
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