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WEIGHT GAIN
Even though menopause and hormone therapy are not directly responsible for midlife weight gain, there tends to be an average gain of 5 to 10 pounds over perimenopause. In our society that idolizes being thin, this can cause intense fear and anxiety. So what is the reason? It’s nearly all about our behaviors plus a bit about aging.
One theory is that our bodies create more fat as we age because fat cells can pick up the slack to a degree on estrogen production as our ovaries decline. Others indicate that a reduction in thyroid function reduces our metabolic rate.
We tend to become more sedentary during this passage, leading to a decrease in energy expenditures as well as muscle mass. Even though muscle weighs more than fat, more fat increases the body size. And muscle burns calories at a much higher rate than fat. So less muscle and more fat leads to the need for a lower calorie intake. Nevertheless, we tend to eat the same amount as in our twenties and thirties, and perhaps even more given the “Super Size” portions in restaurants and fast food.
Inactivity at this age also promotes changes in our body configuration, moving us from a “pear” shape (wide hips and thighs) to an “apple” shape (wide waist)
Eating excessive carbohydrates leads to excessive production of insulin that leads to insulin resistance. This means that the body will then convert more calories to fat rather than burn them in the cells, and it also makes it difficult to burn fat while exercising. Excessive stress that triggers increased production of stress hormones causes the body to resist weight loss.
So less exercise, loss of muscle mass, changing of body shapes due to aging from “pear” to “apple”, high carb diets, stress, and eating the same or more calories all lead to midlife weight gain. As you can see from these causes, dieting can be very ineffective and frustrating because it’s purely about calorie reduction.
So it’s time to get moving, eat a low to moderate carb diet, manage your stress, and build muscle mass. These lifestyle changes can be quite challenging. You may need the support and guidance that Wise Passage can offer to you with a very personalized, professional touch. Now is the time to achieve your goals!- If you are ready to pursue feeling better now, take our free online assessment. It’s quick and educational.
- If you are ready for a Personal Menopause Advisor, you can connect with a compassionate, Wise Passage Nurse Consultant who will insure that you find relief from your symptoms based on your personal preferences. Sessions include the Menopause Wisdom Guides.
- If you want to go even deeper with your menopause education efforts, we recommend that you explore our 60 Menopause Wisdom Guides written by an RN, a Nurse Practitioner, and an OB/GYN physician.
- Do you have more questions and concerns? We are available to address whatever is on your mind. Call Wise Passage at 1-800-456-3623 to talk with a customer service representative.
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