Most women gain weight as they
age, but excess pounds aren't inevitable. To minimize menopause weight gain,
step up your activity level and enjoy a healthy diet.
As you get older, you might notice
that maintaining your usual weight becomes more difficult. In fact, many women
gain weight around the menopause transition.
Menopause weight gain isn't
inevitable, however. You can reverse course by paying attention to
healthy-eating habits and leading an active lifestyle.
What causes menopause
weight gain?
The hormonal changes of menopause
might make you more likely to gain weight around your abdomen than around your
hips and thighs. Hormonal changes alone don't necessarily trigger menopause
weight gain, however. Instead, the weight gain is usually related to aging, as
well as lifestyle and genetic factors.
For example, muscle mass typically
diminishes with age, while fat increases. Loss of muscle mass decreases the
rate at which your body uses calories, which can make it more challenging to
maintain a healthy weight. If you continue to eat as you always have and don't
increase your physical activity, you're likely to gain weight.
Genetic factors also might play a
role in menopause weight gain. If your parents or other close relatives carry
extra weight around the abdomen, you're likely to do the same.
Sometimes factors such as the
stress of children leaving — or returning — home, divorce, the death of a
spouse, or other life changes might change your diet or exercise habits and
contribute to menopause weight gain.
How risky is weight
gain after menopause?
Menopause weight gain can have
serious implications for your health. Excess weight increases the risk of heart
disease, type 2 diabetes and various types of cancer, including colorectal
cancer and breast cancer.
What's the best way to
prevent weight gain after menopause?
There's no magic formula for
preventing — or reversing — menopause weight gain. Simply stick to
weight-control basics:
·
Move more. Aerobic activity can help you shed excess
pounds and maintain a healthy weight. Strength training counts, too. As you
gain muscle, your body burns calories more efficiently — which makes it easier
to control your weight. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and
Human Services recommends moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, for
at least 150 minutes a week or vigorous aerobic activity, such as jogging, for
at least 75 minutes a week. In addition, strength training exercises are
recommended at least twice a week. If you want to lose weight or meet specific
fitness goals, you might need to exercise more.
·
Eat less. To maintain your current weight — let alone
lose excess pounds — you might need about 200 fewer calories a day during your
50s than you did during your 30s and 40s. To reduce calories without skimping
on nutrition, pay attention to what you're eating and drinking. Choose more
fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Opt for lean sources of protein.
·
Seek support. Surround yourself with friends and loved ones
who'll support your efforts to eat a healthy diet and increase your physical
activity. Better yet, team up and make the lifestyle changes together.
Remember, successful weight loss
at any stage of life requires permanent changes in diet and exercise habits.
Take a brisk walk every day. Try a yoga class. Swap cookies for fresh fruit.
Split restaurant meals with a friend. Commit to the changes and enjoy a healthier
you!
Most women gain weight as they
age, but excess pounds aren't inevitable. To minimize menopause weight gain,
step up your activity level and enjoy a healthy diet.
