Did you Realise…?
About 90% of menopausal women experience some amount of weight gain
Woman who have an understanding of this symptom are more likely to find ways around the typical ‘spare tyre waist’ or extra pounds here and there that are commonly considered an unavoidable aspect of aging.
At any age weight gain takes place when an individual increases her body mass, whether as a result of fat deposits, additional muscle tissue, or excess fluid.
However, weight gain around the menopause typically involves increased amounts of fat around the middle.
On average, women gain around 12 and 15 pounds between the ages of 45 and 55. Generally not evenly distributed but accumulated around the abdomen.
No need to simply resign yourself to it …. The causes are numerous so its helpful to be aware of the triggers.
Apart from the obvious issues of self esteem there are more serious health conditions that can be more likely to manifest in a body burdened with excessive pounds:
Becoming much more prevalent …. Insulin resistance!!! And Fatty Liver.
As a woman’s hormones fluctuate before and during menopause and prepare for a permanent reduction in hormone levels weight gain can creep up ….
Oestrogen:
As a woman’s ovaries produce less oestrogen, her body attempts to find the hormone in places other than the ovaries. Fat cells can produce oestrogen so her body works harder to convert carbohydrates into fat to increase oestrogen levels. Unfortunately, fat cells don’t burn energy the way muscles do which leads to weight gain.
Progesterone:
Water retention is often linked to menopause because water weight and bloating lead to decreased progesterone levels. Not actual weight gain but clothes feel tighter which makes you feel heavier.
Androgen:
Amounts decrease at the onset of menopause. This reduction is responsible for sending new weight to the mid-section instead of the hips …. middle age spread.
Testosterone:
Helps create lean muscle mass out of calories – muscle cells burn more calories than fat …. Fewer calories are converted to muscle and so metabolism slows down.
Insulin resistance:
This has become a Biggy …. highly processed diet … over consumption of carbohydrate laden foods ….
This is when a woman’s body mistakenly turns every calorie taken in into fat. Over time, processed and refined foods make a woman’s body resistant to the insulin produced in the blood stream.
Life style and weight gain:
Though some physical changes are unavoidable as we get older, a woman’s lifestyle is a hugely important variable that can tip the scales in favour of weight gain or fend it off.
Stress
Reduced physical activity
Change in eating habits
Medication use
Drinking excess amounts of alcohol
Refined process food intake
Smoking.
Interrelated:
Fatigue
Mood swings
Dehydration
Look upon the menopause years as the gift of an opportunity. I realise that may seem a step too far for those of you dealing with some of the more unpleasant symptoms. But it really is an opportunity to rebalance all of the physical, mental/emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives. During this time our body wisdom will keep showing us the areas of our lives that need attention. It is within us to interpret these subtle (or maybe not always quite so subtle) messages and make the necessary adjustments to embrace and enjoy the next phase of our life.
