Stop Menopause Weight Gain

Many women experience menopause weight gain as they get older. There is a tendency for both men and women to gain weight as they get older and less active but, for women, there is something unique about the menopause.

In the post menopausal stage of a woman's life, her body produces less estrogen, the female hormone, This leads to a change in the distribution of weight on a woman's body to be more like that of a man's which is focused on the belly rather than the hips. The reason for some extra weight gain can also be caused by low levels of estrogen or at least a tendency to put on weight more easily. Dieting can become more challenging.

Weight and the Menopause.

Post menopause weight gain doesn't mean that you should give up having a healthy body within a normal weight range. If you are mindful of the potential problems and resist the temptation to eat too many high calorie foods, it is possible to avoid menopause weight gain Maintaining a reasonable amount of exercise is also important.

Exercise is important for other reasons as well as avoiding menopause weight gain. It 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. Take regular exercise combining both cardio and strength workouts. You will tend to exercise a little less as you grow older, but muscle that is not taken care of will turn to fat. That's why it's important not to stop your exercise regime completely.

3. Try to accept that there will be some changes in your body at this time. If your weight is within the normal range, do not worry if your weight increases a little. This is redistribution of weight, not gain. If you are overweight, avoid crash diets and find a healthy eating plan that will serve you well for the rest of your life.

The healthiest option to avoid menopause weight gain is to make changes that will allow you to lose weight with a healthy eating plan that does not ban any foods completely and allows you to have the occasional treats.

If you suffer from any health conditions, do 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 is best for your individual circumstances.