Are you going through menopause?
Have you noticed gaining a few extra pounds lately?
If so, then you should know that you’re not alone.
Weight gain is one of the most common symptoms of menopause.
While this occurrence may be less than delightful (unless you are one of those super-skinny women that are always begging to gain weight), it’s good to keep in mind that it’s common in many women and there’s something you can do about it.
What Does Menopausal Weight Gain Look Like?
You gain around ten to fifteen pounds during their menopausal years, but this happens gradually, gaining at least a pound each year.
Women who experience menopause earlier are more prone to rapid weight gain.
During this time, you may notice that your weight is no longer distributing itself evenly as it used to.
Instead of putting weight all over the body, the extra pounds may seem to settle around your abdomen instead.
This leads to an “apple” shaped body instead of the typical “pear” one that you had during your childbearing years.
Why Does This Happen?
Weight gain during menopause is mainly caused by hormonal fluctuations in the body.
Your hormone levels (especially cortisol, DHEA, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) go haywire, directly impacting your metabolism and fat storage.
Increased fat storage and lowered metabolism as well as other factors, like reduced physical activity, change in eating habits, and loss of muscle tissue due to age indeed change your weight greatly.
How To Lose Weight During And After Menopause
There IS a special formula that can stop the slowing of your metabolism and increasing of fat storage.
It’s all about balancing your hormones, especially cortisol.
Cortisol has a direct impact on your metabolism, and when cortisol is in balance not only will you lose weight (especially that belly fat) but you will also have better estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels to boot!
Get Moving
Most women stop moving around when they reach 40’s and more.
Strength training is quite effective (more so than aerobic exercise) since body muscles burn more calories than body fat.
A general idea is to get at least thirty minutes of strength training at least twice a week.
Improve Your Eating Habits
To maintain your weight today (or lose some excess pounds), you need to reduce your caloric intake…
But not too much!
Your body burns around 200 calories less today than it did during your 30’s.
Reducing your food intake does not have to mean skimping on nutrition as long as you choose the right foods and drinks.
Find A Support Group
Another thing that you can do is to surround yourself with people who will support you in your efforts to increase your physical activity and improve your healthy diet.
Aside from seeking support from family and friends, it’s a good idea to get in touch with friends who are also going through the same thing.
What To Remember
Menopausal weight gain is common, and when you reach this stage, you will eventually see the extra weight especially around your abdomen.
This gain is caused by a number of factors – the biggest being changes in hormonal levels.
So, the real key to losing weight is getting cortisol back into balance.
Dr. Carri Drzyzga, DC, ND – The Functional Medicine Doc
Find the Cause. Fix the Cause. Feel Normal Again!