According to doctors, women gain approximately 1.5 kilograms each year after menopause, and weight gain can begin seven to 10 years before this age (age 51).
Changes in estrogen levels during perimenopause slow the metabolism and redistribute fat in the abdominal area, so an active lifestyle is what you need, says Dr. Monica Christmas, director of the menopause program at the University of Chicago.
"We change as we age, but think, 'How can you be the best version of yourself?'" says Dr. Christmas. "Be specific about how you fuel your body and set goals for movement and daily physical activities".
Why do women often gain weight in menopause?
"Hormonal fluctuations during menopause not only cause changes in metabolism, but also in mood. You may feel more nervous, anxious, depressed," says Dr. Christmas. If your metabolism slows down and you have less energy to exercise, this leads to weight gain.
If it's only a few pounds, why is it a health problem?
“We lose muscle tone as we age and this accelerates in menopause and is replaced by fatty tissue. Most of that fat ends up in the chest area. This is probably the worst place to gain weight because all our vital organs are there. It means more fat around the heart, kidneys, liver.”
What is the best way to control weight gain?
Do something small that you enjoy every day and do it consistently. According to doctors, two years before the onset of menopause and a few years after, weight gain continues, then everything falls into silence, according to experts.
