Home Blogs How To Lose Menopause Weight Gain?

How To Lose Menopause Weight Gain?

What are some tips for losing weight during menopause?

Menopause can be a stressful period for most women, not to mention the weight gain. Menopause can last several years and at an average a woman can put on 10–15lbs during this time. All the added pounds get accumulated around the abdomen due to increasing levels of androgens. This is bad news added to the hot flushes and anxiety attacks that menopausal years are associated with. However the good news is that average weight gain is a good sign and must be taken in good stride and with a positive attitude. Weight gain during menopause is a natural symptom and a remedial one. Weight gain lessens hot flushes and feelings of anxiety. It also lessens chances of osteoporosis, which most women are prone to as they age. So don't fret too much, but keep the weight gain within acceptable range. Here's how:

• Firstly change your attitude. Accept your body while it piles on the pounds and stay positive. This is a single big change you can make in during your menopausal years.
• Then take charge of your diet. Incorporate a variety of foods, mainly vegetables and fruits, whole grain cereals and dairy products. However keep in mind that you need to consume less calories than what you burn. Create a calorie deficit. This might become a bit difficult, since with age, metabolic rate declines and the decreasing estrogen levels cause more calories to store as fat.
• Do not starve yourself. This is one of the worst mistakes you can do. During menopause, the body is already in storage mode, add starving yourself to that equation and your body will panic and store even more calories. Eat a well balanced diet. Indulge yourself to occasional treats.
• Get yourself involved in some exercise routine. Pilates and Yoga are great for the body as well as the mind. They are stress busters and decrease the levels of stress hormones which cause your body to go into storage mode, resulting in weight gain. Additionally they increase the metabolic rate and help burn calories. They also help tone and strengthen the muscles. Good muscles burn great calories.
• Stay active with chores around the house. Mow the lawn or take the dog out for a run. Do anything as long as you are moving about for a good amount of time. Staying active enhances the metabolic rate and burns calories.
• Get that extra calcium. Calcium is a good supplement for weight loss. Lack of calcium hampers weight loss. With aging every woman needs extra calcium.
• Drink plenty of water so that the body feels well hydrated and does not go into water retention mode. Water retention is anyways a problem with menopausal women due to low progesterone levels. Limit the intake of caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. They aggravate water retention and make you feel heavier than you already are.

Although menopause does come with age, it does not spell the end of your youthfulness and youthful pursuits. Bodily changes need not dictate your life, and these changes can easily be overcome and surpassed, with a little effort.

• RSS Feeds -
• All posts
• All comments