Menopause is a rite of passage that culminates a woman’s reproductive years and ushers her into a new phase in her life. Although this transition brings forth a plethora of changes in a woman’s physical and emotional health, one of the most noteworthy and profound change is the menopause weight gain. The term ‘weight gain’ can be a triggering point for many women but this is not what usual weight gain looks or feels like.
This type of weight gain can be attributed to a number of reasons such as hormonal fluctuations, slower metabolism etc. In this blog, we shall apprise you of the probable causes of menopause weight gain. Furthermore, we will acquaint you with some of the best ways to manage this condition efficiently.
Weight Gain During Menopause
When we talk about menopause and weight gain, we aren’t just talking about some extra pounds, but an evident change in one’s appearance especially around the belly. Menopause belly can be a cause of concern for many women, but understanding the reason for the same can empower you to make well-informed choices and lifestyle changes that can align with your overall health goals in addition to managing belly fat.
Causes of Weight Gain During Menopause
The following reasons can be attributed to weight gain during menopause:
Hormonal Fluctuations
The changing estrogen and progesterone levels are the major contributing factors for menopause weight gain (1) In fact, the post-menopausal period puts a woman at risk of developing various other health problems in addition to weight gain.
Changes In The Metabolism Rate
As we age, our metabolism rate gets slower. Consequently, our bodies are not able to process calories with as much efficiency as they used to. This is one of the leading factors of menopause belly fat.
Decrease In Muscle Mass
As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass involuntarily. This condition is also known as Sarcopenia (2) which can have an impact on our metabolic rate.
Lifestyle Changes
Women who are under stress tend to be inclined towards emotional eating, leading to unnecessary consumption of calories. Moreover, lack of sleep, poor dietary choices and a sedentary lifestyle also augment menopause weight gain.
Medication
Your healthcare provider might prescribe some medication to address and alleviate some symptoms associated with Menopause. At times, certain medications can cause weight gain as an ancillary side effect.
Tips for Managing Menopause and Weight Gain
If you feel that losing weight after menopause is an uphill task, allow us to guide you through the process. We have put together a list of some useful tips that will help you set forth your Post Menopause weight loss journey in motion:
Be Watchful Of What You Eat
To handle menopause and weight gain, you should consume a balanced diet. If need be, you can consult a dietician, who can put together a diet plan for you. Stay away from processed sugar, carbonated drinks, etc. Try to include vegetables, fruits and greens in your diet.
Maintain An Active Lifestyle
Try to incorporate a balance of strength training and cardio activity in your daily routine. This won’t just help you keep extra kilos at bay but also embolden your bone health and stamina.
Ayurvedic Supplements
Ayurveda offers holistic and time-tested remedies that can propel you to your menopause weight loss journey. You can check out Menoveda and take their health quiz to get your hands on the best Ayurvedic supplements for yourself. From emotional well-being to sexual health, Menoveda has the best Ayurvedic menopause supplements to invigorate your emotional, physical and mental health.
Practice Mindfulness
When we talk about menopause and weight gain, we have to understand that chronic stress can add to your health woes. Mindful exercises like yoga and meditation can help you align your energies and keep calm.
Conclusion
Self-love and compassion are two of the most important things when we talk about navigating the menopausal transition. We understand that menopause weight gain can be a daunting phase but you need to remember that it is one of the ways in which your body is coping with change. You must think of it to be an opportunity to work on your holistic health and consequently losing weight after menopause will follow suit. By incorporating the above-mentioned tips into your lifestyle and diet, you can sail through this period with a lot of grace and ease. Don’t shy away from using Ayurvedic supplements to balance out the energies in your body. After all, it’s not just about the weight but wholesome nourishment of mind, body and soul.
Frequently Asked Questions On Menopause And Weight Management
How can you maintain your body during menopause?
To maintain your body during menopause, you must make wholesome lifestyle changes such as eating a well-balanced diet and staying active. The idea is to replenish all the necessary nutrients in your body, get enough sleep and keep stress at bay. You can even get in touch with our team of specialised doctors to know more.
What is the best exercise for menopause belly fat?
The best way to get rid of menopause belly fat is to indulge in regular cardio exercises and strength training. This will help you shed extra kilos and build muscle mass.
How can you increase your metabolism during menopause?
You can increase your metabolism during menopause by engaging in strength training and cardio exercises such as aerobics, cycling etc. You can get in touch with a dietician to have an articulate diet plan in place that could help you rev up your metabolism. You can use Aadya - menopause multivitamin from Menoveda to infuse all the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients in your body.
Ref:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5509974/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2804956/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20striking,60%20[4,5].
