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What Causes Menopause Weight Gain?
Between the ages 35 to 55 women - whether they are experiencing other symptoms or not -- either gain weight or begin to have trouble maintaining their weight. The extra pounds tend to accumulate around the stomach rather than at the hips or thighs.
On an average women gain about a pound a year in the years leading up to menopause, but the good news is that it is never too late with changes in diet and lifestyle to do something about that middle-age bulge.
While hormonal shifts, particularly in estrogen levels, during perimenopause contribute to weight gain, aging is also a major factor. Middle-aged and menopausal women tend to get less exercise but to increase their food intake, especially if depression is a factor in their menopause symptoms. The increased calories do not get burned up and are converted to fat, a situation made worse by a slowing metabolism with attendant muscle loss - both factors in the aging process and both enemies of weight loss during menopause.
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Finally, genetics play a role. Some women are simply predisposed by their family heritage to gain weight around the stomach as they age.
This genetic predisposition makes it even harder for them to lose weight and to maintain the figures they possessed when they were younger.
Should I Consult My Doctor Before Changing My Diet and Exercise Routines?
Any time you begin a weight loss program it's a good idea to consult your doctor. Some of the complications of middle age weight gain include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. Each of these conditions increases your risk of heart disease and should be evaluated before you change your diet and exercise routines.
While losing weight during menopause can be a challenge, it is not impossible. What's the real key to menopause weight loss? Supplement your lifestyle with appropriate exercise and lay off the junk food and carbohydrates. While women may not be able to completely avoid some degree of menopause weight gain, they can control how far it goes.
By making minor changes in lifestyle and diet you can not only maintain your figure but achieve the real goal in the battle against menopause weight - loss.
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