Menopause Weight Gain Can Be Avoided

Copyright (c) 2014 Jon Allo

When a women gets older, she may well experience menopause weight gain. As both men and women get older and less active, it is likely that there will be some gain weight. However for women, the menopause presents an unique set of issues.

This happens because a women's body produces less estrogen, the female hormone, in the post menopausal stage of her life. The distribution of weight on a woman's body changes at this time to be more like a man's which means that it is focused on the belly rather than the hips. Low estrogen may also be the reason for some extra weight gain, or at least a tendency to put on weight more easily. Dieting can become more of a struggle, too.

Weight and the Menopause.

Post menopause weight gain does not mean that you should stop trying to have a healthy body within a normal weight range. It is possible to avoid menopause weight gain if you are mindful of the potential problems and resist the temptation to eat too many high calorie foods. It is also important to keep up your levels of exercise.

This is important for other reasons as well as avoiding menopause weight gain. Exercise helps to maintain a healthy heart at a time of life when the risk of heart attack for women rises significantly. Women of childbearing age who have fat on their hips rather than their belly have a lower risk of heart attack than men, but that changes at the menopause when more fat is stored on the torso.

To help women avoid menopause weight gain hormone replacement therapy or HRT is available. But, it is only available from your doctor and it is not recommended for everybody because there can be other risks associated with it. Besides, you cannot avoid the menopause forever.

Avoiding Menopause Weight Gain.

1. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables and fewer processed and packaged foods which contain high levels of fat and sugar.

2. Exercise regularly and maintain your muscle mass with strength workouts. It's natural that you tend to exercise a little less as you grow older, but it's important not to stop. Muscle that is not taken care of will turn to fat.

3. Do not worry if your weight increases a little If it is still within the normal range. This is redistribution of weight, not gain. If you are overweight choose a healthy eating plan that will serve you well for the rest of your life. Try to accept that there will be some changes in your body at this time and by adapting to them you'll be healthier and happier.

No matter what stage you are in life, the healthiest option for losing weight is to make changes that will allow you to lose weight slowly on a healthy eating plan that does not ban any foods completely, but allows you to incorporate occasional treats.

If you have any health conditions, it is important to consult with your doctor before starting any weight loss or fitness program. Your doctor will also be able provide more advice on menopause weight gain and what's best for your individual circumstances.


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