Menopause and Weight Gain: Your Questions Answered
Many middle-aged women often complain that they pile on the pounds out of thin air. While it is true that menopausal weight gain is very common, it doesn’t have to be every woman’s reality. Keep reading to discover answers to troubling questions about weight gain during menopause to pass through the transition feeling and looking your best!
Q: Why Do Women Gain Weight in Menopause?
Aging, fluctuating hormones, and lifestyle changes are the main reasons why middle-aged women gain weight. With age, lean body mass decreases, metabolism slows down, and physical activity tends to decline. On top of that, hormonal shifts may disrupt the body’s perception of hunger. All of those factors affect how our bodies burn food and store fat, leading to weight gain.
Also, menopause is known to be heavy on the body and mind, with sleep problems, depression, and fatigue sneaking in. In search for some relief, women often find comfort in food. Overeating – especially on sweets and fast food – doesn’t help the waistline.
Q: How Much Weight Should I Expect?
Studies have shown that in their 50s and 60s, women gain 1.5 pounds per year on average, usually accumulated around the midsection. This means that some women do gain less than that, while others put on more. As such, weight gain in menopause is not inevitable, even though it’s very common. Nevertheless, the majority of middle-aged women are overweight or obese.
Q: Does Gaining Weight in Menopause Put My Health at Risk?
If your weight is within the normal range, gaining a few menopausal pounds should not cause any health issues.
However, if you’re overweight or obese, you’re likely to have more intense symptoms, like hot flashes. Carrying excess weight, especially around the abdomen, also increases your odds of heart disease, diabetes, breathing issues, and more. On top of that, it can significantly affect your self-confidence, which – let’s be honest – is often already compromised due to other bodily changes.
Q: Will Menopause Weight Gain Go Away?
It’s unlikely that the newly gained weight will drop on its own. In fact, without proper lifestyle adjustments, the pounds are likely to keep piling on throughout postmenopause. The good news is that gaining weight can be effectively prevented or reversed, but it will require creating and sticking to a concrete action plan.
Q: What Can I Do to Control My Weight in Menopause?
Depending on your current weight, you may be focused on preventing weight gain or losing weight and keeping it off. Either way, start by taking a look at your lifestyle habits. Identify what’s already good. Then, pinpoint weak areas, and create a plan to address them.
Keeping it simple will likely help you long-term. You will see greater results if you stay consistent with the following three recommendations:
- Stick to a wholesome diet. Structure your meals to include whole grains, lean protein, healthy fat sources (e.g., olive oil, avocado), and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Ditch simple sugars in favor of complex carbs (think: fiber), which boost metabolism and don’t cause sudden sugar spikes in the blood.
- Avoid a sedentary lifestyle. A study has found that an exercise as simple as walking is an effective way to keep tabs on weight gain. To stay engaged, find an accountability buddy, preferably another woman sharing similar midlife experiences. Don’t forget to stay well hydrated and avoid injury-prone sports.
- Balance hormones with Macafem. While it may not induce weight loss on its own, keeping hormones in check can help ease the effects of an imbalance on your well-being. Without struggling with menopause symptoms, you may find it easier to keep up with your new regimen and create the new you. Plus, Macafem a 100% natural supplement that is gentle on your endocrine system and can safely be taken long-term.
Without a doubt, seeing pounds accumulate during menopause can be distressing. But keep your chin up! By giving yourself time, developing healthy habits, and embracing the changes you’re experiencing, you’re setting yourself up for success. And making Macafem your ally can help you enjoy the process even more. Good luck!
Cleveland Clinic. (2020).Menopause Weight Gain: Is It Inevitable?Retrieved November 4, 2021 fromhttps://health.clevelandclinic.org/menopause-weight-gain-is-it-inevitable/
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Menopause weight gain: Stop the middle age spread. Retrieved November 4, 2021 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menopause-weight-gain/art-20046058
The North American Menopause Society. (n.d.). Changes in Weight and Fat Distribution. Retrieved November 4, 2021 from https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/changes-at-midlife/changes-in-weight-and-fat-distribution