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Menopause and Weight Gain

Many women begin to notice some weight gain as they start to have menopause symptoms. During this stage in your life your body is really changing and while your body changes so does your metabolism. There is no exact known reason for gaining weight during this stage in your life. There are many theories that have not been proven yet.

Weight gain has to do with what we eat and how our body uses this energy at any age. But, there are factors that occur during menopause that may increase your ability to gain weight and have a harder time getting it off. Usually women during menopause tend to gain weight around their waist or middle section of their bodies.

One factor that could be a reason for weight gain is that you will have a lower oestrogen level. Oestrogen is the female sex hormone that is responsible for ovulation. Women of childbearing age store fat in the lower body while men and postmenopausal women store fat around the abdomen. Studies conducted with animal’s show that a lack of oestrogen leads to a large amount of weight gain.

There are many reasons that may cause weight gain in menopausal women. Stress, lack of self esteem, lower estrogen levels are just a few. There are some ways to combat weight gain and live a healthy life. Learn to eat healthy. Eat foods that are low in carbohydrates, eat protein at every meal, do not eat as much process food, and have lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and water. You body still needs nutritional supplements in the way of fatty acid and rich nutrients, maybe even more since menopause began.

Another great way to help conquer weight gain is with exercise. No don’t go out and try to run 4 miles your first day. Just walking at a normal pace 5 days a week for 30 minutes per day will help your metabolism stay healthy. This will help your body control the fat that is being produced.

During menopause you will have mood swings and depression. If you notice that you are eating more during certain mood swings or if you are craving more food than normal during certain times you should talk with your physician. Your weight gain could be more on an emotional level than with actual aging or menopause. Stress can also cause all of us to overeat. Remember to relax. Take out time to breath and rest.

Many times women try to do just too much. This can bring on stress and anxieties. These are known symptoms of menopause. Slow down, you will still be the same person even if you can’t do it all. Causing yourself undo stress can and will cause you to gain weight.

Just because you are gaining a weight has nothing to do with who you are. Try to maintain a good diet and exercise program but remember to love yourself. You are the most important person and you need to take care of yourself.