Menopause Weight Gain – Menopause And Weight Gain
When a woman undergoes the stage of menopause, one obvious physical change is weight gain. Much as women would want to evade it, it is one hard truth to defy, as there is a relationship between menopause and weight gain. It is unavoidable because the hormones, which are naturally occurring and which levels are continually changing as people age, are primarily responsible for this.
Menopause is a stage where weight gain is expected and considered as normal. Had one been younger, it could have been attributed to binge eating and less nutritious food choices. Menopause weight gain will be very obvious around the abdominal area and the increase in size will not be evenly distributed.
Have you ever noticed menopausal women that are rather slender yet having stomach bumps when they are in shirts that are somewhat tight fitting? Menopausal women assume the apple shape more because fat deposits at this stage concentrate in the abdominal area.
Hormones that are actually to blame for menopause weight gain are as follows:
1. Estrogen. This is otherwise known as the female hormone that facilitates the monthly ovulation process. During the menopausal stage, the level of estrogen rapidly decreases; hence, the eventual cessation of ovulation. We are all familiar with the fact that menstruation in women at this stage comes to an end.
Since there is a reduction in estrogen levels, the female body begins to scout for alternative organs where it could possibly obtain estrogen. Fat cells are one good source. However, these do not burn calories much the same way as muscles do, which could perhaps explain for the menopause weight gain.
2. Progesterone. Like estrogen, the level of this hormone also decreases as a woman ages. The lower level is also considered responsible for the correlation between menopause and weight gain. This is because a depleted progesterone level predisposes a woman to water retention or bloating; hence, the increased load and feeling of heaviness.
However, this does not necessary result into weight gain, and the bloating only occurs for a temporary period.
3. Androgen. Contrary to the two female hormones described above, this male hormone in a woman’s body increases as one ages. Sadly, this also takes the blame for throwing all of the menopause weight gain into the abdominal area.
4. Testosterone. This hormone has an effect on metabolism, as it teaches the body to form leaner muscles from the calories that one gets from his food. There is an increase in metabolism when the muscles burn these calories. During menopause, the level of this hormone gradually plummets. Therefore, a lower testosterone level means a lower metabolic rate and a slower calorie burn.
In the case of menopause and weight gain, the key is acceptance. Women should accept the inevitable, as these bodily changes won’t change according to one’s whims. Menopause is a naturally occurring bodily process; thus, there is no way that women can evade it.
By accepting this fact, it means being unaffected by ill fitting clothes and a slower walking pace. The weight gain in fact may help in dealing with the hot flashes and menopausal anxiety. Solutions? Check out your wardrobe and try browsing through pieces that you might have owned during late pregnancy. If there is none, pay the mall a visit and scour for some finds that fit – both your body and your pockets.
Menopause and weight gain go hand in hand, so refrain from the crash diets. A slender physique suits the runway, not your afternoon tea party dates with grandchildren. Accept the fact that diet is not the solution for weight gain at this stage. Although it is for health purposes, the weight gain is not the main target.
To prevent the water retention from worsening, regulate the caffeine and nicotine intake. Go natural and organic by adhering to fruits and greens more. Remember that osteoporosis is also an effect of menopause, and this could greatly predispose one who is skinnier that usual.
Exercise and accept. There may be a few bulges pulling menopause and weight gain together, but this is bound to happen. Don’t add up to the stresses of menopause itself. Live life with all smiles, in spite of those bulging bellies that you used to despise.