Menopause and weight gain are not mutually exclusive. In fact, statistics tell us that a majority of women will experience weight gain at or around menopause without even trying. Having no changes with their diet or physical activities, most women, at menopause, will find an extra 10 to 20 pounds sneaking on. Is menopause and weight gain inescapable?
From the outside, it would appear so. Hormones are changing, stress is increased, fat is being stored in a variety of places, organ function has been evolving, and your meals are being processed differently. Although, menopause and putting on weight might look inescapable, but it is not actually a fact of life.
Menopause and weight gain tend to work hand-in-hand for the factors mentioned. Let’s look a little deeper at those reasons.
Fat storage is changing. Rather than storing fat just below the skin level (subcutaneously), now it is being stored within the body cavity well beneath the abdominal muscle wall. This new fat storage is called visceral fat. It changes your organ functions to some extent and is proportional to the start of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol and heart disease, among other things.
Stress levels play an essential part in menopause and weight gain. In the event the body is stressed, the body’s hormones are freed into the system that encourage the metabolism to slow. Additionally, resources like fat (for fuel and energy) are now being hoarded when stress hormones are developing the system.
The ovaries are shutting down and this also means the body needs a new source for estrogen. Since fat cells can generate estrogen, the body wants to have them in reserve as a future resource.
What is required to avoid menopause and weight gain? Strict adherence to a proper way of living. Keep a food journal for a short time to obtain a clear pictures of what types of calories you are taking in. It’ll also assist you to see where you might want to make alterations.
As a way to restore missing hormones, HRT might be considered, so talk that over with the personal physician.
Exercise levels need to be up, so menopause and weight gain aren’t inevitable. Had you been active before, you will be already one step ahead. But if you were leading a non-active life, you will absolutely have to get moving. Almost any activity that gets you up, moving and breathing is okay. Notice I’ve not used the “E” word, here. Exercise sounds monotonous and like a great deal of no fun. Pick activities which make you want to repeat them. Doing pleasurable things, like diving, or dancing, as well as tending your garden regularly, will fit what’s needed.
You do not have to begin on a full role, but sooner or later, you will need to work up to half an hour of some type of aerobic exercise each day. Include some strength training for muscle strength and you should be on the right path to never experiencing menopause and weight gain as inseparable.
I know how difficult it is to maintain active when your body feels worn out from other symptoms of menopause. But, menopause and weight gain don’t have to impact you if you happen to go along with proper diet program. Recognizing what to eat and how your choice of food have an effect on your weight, offer you a the weapon to battle the weight you already have, but will also protect you from weight gain later in life. Take a look at http://www.menopause-weight.com to explore menopause and weight gain.