Menopause is a time of profound change in woman’s life. One of the significant changes can be in the shape of your body. Population surveys show that up to 60% of women will eventually become overweight or obese. But gaining a middle-age spread or pot-belly can be avoided.
Understand What’s Happening in Your Body
Nobody knows exactly why women pile on the pounds so easily during menopause. It’s probably a variety of factors including:
- Hormonal imbalance: Oestrogen production slows during menopause. Since oestrogen is stored in fat cells it’s thought that the body holds onto fat cells in order to preserve oestrogen. Add to that the fluctuating levels of DHEA, progesterone, thyroid and adrenal hormones, to name a few, and it’s no wonder our bodies seem out of control.
- Lowered metabolism: Metabolism slows as we age. Combine this with the fatigue that many women feel during menopause, and you’re more likely to feel like lying on the lounge than lunging at the gym or leaping around a sports field.
- Eating too much: Whether it’s hormones causing an insatiable appetite or simply being able to eat out more often now that the kids are growing up, eating too much and exercising too little obviously causes weight gain.
- Lack of Motivation: Many menopausal women feel stressed, anxious, irritable and lethargic. Given the roller coaster ride you’re going through emotionally, it’s sometimes hard to maintain a consistently healthy lifestyle.
Keep Moving
The most effective way to avoid weight gain during menopause is to keep your weight under control before menopause begins. Once you’re experiencing the symptoms of menopause, a regular, sustained exercise program is essential. A regular brisk walk or swim will boost your metabolism and mood! You also need to build up muscle mass as it begins to decline. Yoga, Tai Chi and gentle weight training are great choices. Whatever you choose, make sure you enjoy it or you won’t stick to it. Get a friend, your partner or even the whole family involved to make it fun and motivating.
Nutrition Nurtures
A low-fat, high-fibre diet will help maintain a healthy weight. Eating smaller, more frequent meals helps too. Try to include foods that contain phyto-oestrogens such as soy-based products like tofu and miso. A nutritionist or naturopath will help devise a healthy eating plan that addresses your specific nutritional needs. They may also prescribe tonics and herbs and other vitamins and supplements to support your body during this time.
Complementary Therapies Help Menopause
Many complementary therapies can help reduce the symptoms of menopause and help you manage your weight. Acupuncture, homeopathy and osteopathy all look at your unique imbalances to help you reduce symptoms, manage weight gain and feel good about yourself.
Natural therapies can help you manage your weight during menopause and maintain a sense of well-being during this phase of life.
