Understanding Menopause And Weight Gain

Weight gain during menopause is a natural phenomenon. Here's how you can lose weight in a safe and healthy manner.
Women who are in their 40s and 50s usually have one complaint. Menopause seems to be synonymous with weight gain. Women who are in their menopausal stage find it hard to control their weight. What makes it worse for them is the fact that the weight accumulates more on the abdomen and not on the hips and thighs.

Weight gain is one of the drastic changes caused by menopause that never fail to shock women. They start to think that maintaining their weight is a hopeless endeavor because despite exercise and a balanced diet, they still gain extra pounds each day.

Why Does A Woman Gain Weight During Menopause?

It would be hard to accept but this is actually a natural phenomenon. The changes in hormonal levels in the body are responsible for the weight gain. These hormones that are likely to be affected are progesterone, estrogen, androgen, and testosterone.

Women in their menopausal stage gain weight also because of changes in their lifestyle. Often, they reduce the amount of exercise now compared to exercise routines when they were younger. Lack of exercise leads to accumulated fats.

These women also tend to increase their caloric intake, thus making them heavier and bigger. Last but not the least, genetic factors also partly cause weight gain during menopause.

How To Lose Weight In A Safe And Healthy Way

Women should fully understand the relation between menopause and weight gain. They should also be more disciplined and careful with their health. If you are one of these women having the same problem then these guidelines are for you.

Have a healthy and balanced diet. Drink lots of water and avoid sugars and junk food.

Say no to crash diets. It is a lie when people say crash diets will help in losing weight. It will not help you lose weight; instead it will just cause more harm.

Medical experts say losing weight in a short amount of time can lead to osteoporosis. Weight loss does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process.

Avoid food and drinks that are not good for your body like sugar, junk foods, and those containing alcohol, nicotine and caffeine.

Exercise regularly. Regular exercise will help combat your weight problem. Aerobic exercises will be good for you because it helps burn excessive fats and also speeds up your metabolism. Weight bearing activities and simple exercises like walking, running, swimming or riding a bicycle can help you lose weight.

For more information about weight gain during menopause and natural remedies for menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings and more, go to http://www.simplemenopauseguide.com

By James Liow
Published: 5/10/2008
 
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