Menopause Weight Gain: The Unavoidable Reality You Need to Believe!
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The menopause weight gain is one of the common concerns among women and even men. Well, menopause isn't just about women; it also affects the lives of men related to them, so all need to know about this. It’s a critical phase that not only changes the physical state of a women’s body but also affects her mental health adversely.
When near menopause, women should practice keeping their bones strong and heart healthy. Since many women have observed themselves gaining weight during this phase of life, studies state around 30 % of women ages 50 to 59 aren't just a bit overweight, but obese.
In this blog, we will discover why and how women can manage weight gain during menopause and all about menopause obesity.
Why weight gain happens after menopause?
One of the most common reasons women experience weight gain during menopause is estrogen. Imagine estrogen as a sort of weight control manager in your body. When estrogen level is high, it helps keep your weight in check. However, during menopause, estrogen levels drop, and this can lead to severe weight-related challenges.
The impact of estrogen:
You might find yourself eating more and moving less because estrogen helps regulate these behaviours in lab animals, and it does the same for women.
Lower estrogen levels could also slow your metabolism, like your body's energy conversion rate.
Some evidence suggests that estrogen hormone therapy can boost your metabolism, which might help slow down weight gain. Without enough estrogen, your body might not use sugar and starches effectively, leading to more fat storage and making it harder to shed those extra pounds.
Other Age-Related factors causing weight gain after menopause
It's common for adults, especially as they age, to become less physically active. About 60% of adults aren't getting enough exercise.
Your body loses muscle mass after age, which can lower your metabolism at rest and make it easier to put on weight.
Your ability to burn energy during exercise also tends to decline with age. This means you need to exercise longer and harder to achieve the same calorie burn as before, regardless of your previous activity levels.
Understanding Menopause
Menopause is a part of a woman's life journey. It's like a signpost that tells us a few important things:
No more periods: Menopause is when a woman's periods stop completely. This means she won't have any more monthly menstrual cycles.
End of reproductive years: It's like Mother Nature saying, "Your baby-making days are done." It marks the end of a woman's ability to have children because something special happens in her body.
Hormonal changes: Menopause occurs because the ovaries, which are like the body's hormone factories, stop making two important hormones called estrogen and progesterone.
Different paths: Menopause happens in two ways. For most, it's a gradual process that takes place in three stages. But for some, it can happen suddenly, especially if they've had surgery to remove their ovaries.
Signs of menopause
Menopause isn't just a one-day event; it's more like a journey, and your body gives you some hints. Here are the menopause symptoms to keep an eye out for:
Mood swings: Sometimes, you might feel on an emotional rollercoaster. Happy one minute, grumpy the next – that's your hormones at play.
Hot Flashes: Suddenly feeling hot, like you're standing beside the bonfire, even when everyone else is comfy. That's a hot flash. They can make you sweaty and a bit uncomfortable.
Night sweats: It's like hot flashes at night. You wake up all sweaty, and it can make it tough to sleep peacefully.
Irregular Periods: Your monthly period may start acting unpredictable- showing up early, late, or just vanishing for a while.
Trouble Sleeping: Some nights, you might find it hard to catch sleep making you feel tired during the day.
Forgetfulness: You may become forgetful, like misplacing your keys more often. Don't worry; it's quite common.
Changes Down There: You might notice dryness or discomfort in your private areas during sex due to hormonal shifts.
Less Hair "Down There": Your pubic hair may thin out a bit, which is entirely normal.
Bone Health: Keep an eye on your bones. Menopause can sometimes lead to weaker bones, so try getting enough calcium and vitamin D.
How to manage menopause weight gain?
Dealing with weight gain during menopause can be challenging, but there are ways to handle it. Here is how:
Stay Active: Practice exercise daily and move your body regularly. It doesn't have to be super interns exercise; even a daily walk can make a big difference.
Healthy Eating: Focus on eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. They're like fuel for your body. Try to avoid too many sugary and fatty foods. Having portion control, smaller portions can help you keep your calorie intake in check,
Drink Water: Sometimes, your body confuses thirst for hunger. Drinking enough water can help you feel full and avoid unnecessary snacking.
Sleep Well: Get good quality sleep. When you're tired, you might make less healthy food choices.
Manage Stress: Relax and de-stress as per your ways and comfort. Stress can mess with your hormones and lead to weight gain.
Stay positive: Believe in yourself and stay motivated during the menopause phase.
Conclusion
Menopause weight gain can be tricky, and it's essential to understand why it happens. While there's ongoing research on this topic, one thing is clear: taking care of your health during this time is crucial. If you ever have concerns about menopause weight gain or your overall well-being, don't hesitate to seek help from a gynaecologist and Dietician.
Moreover, visit a super speciality hospital to get relevant menopause treatment guidance. Remember, your health matters, and it's never too late to take charge of it.
