The middle-age spread is a real thing for many women who are going through menopause. It has been proven that the loss of energy, lowered metabolism, and uncontrollable hunger women experience when they age can lead to excess pounds, but it doesn’t have to be so. You can minimize gains and stay at a steady size if you keep a few tips in mind.
Why It Happens
Weight gain during menopause occurs because of all the hormonal changes taking place within your body. It is much easier for fat deposits to find their way to your stomach, thighs, and hips. However, hormonal changes aren’t the only culprit. Lifestyle, genetics, and aging can all play a part. For example, you usually lose a little muscle mass when you age, while the fat stores increase. If you don’t increase physical activity and eat like you always have, you could gain.
Other factors can include not getting enough sleep, unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise and more.
What To Do About It
For most women, just knowing that their body is changing is enough to help them make different and better choices. Being more active and eating like you always have should be sufficient for many. Moderate activities, such as walking, combined with age-appropriate strength training can help, as well.
You may also want to consider using a nutritionist and/or a fitness trainer. They will be able to determine how many calories you need and which food sources are best based on your particular needs. They can also help you set up a workout routine that is doable and fun.
Other options can include medical weight loss programs that target the menopausal woman’s needs better, along with medications, injections, and other options that may help speed up the process.
