Menopause age

Weight gain during the menopausal transition is very common. In fact, one study found that women gain an average of 12-15 pounds during this phase of life. In addition, there is a shift in body configuration from pear-shaped to apple-shaped.

Many of the risks of weight gain are well known: high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes, to name a few. Extra fat at your waistline increases these risks still more.

Causes of weight gain after menopause

Estrogen appears to help regulate body weight. Reduced estrogen may also lower metabolic rate, the rate at which the body converts stored energy into working energy.
In fact, some evidence suggests that estrogen hormone therapy increases a woman’s resting metabolic rate. This might help slow menopause weight gain.

There are other age-related factors for gain weight after menopause. Part of this problem has to do with issues that are unrelated to menopause.

First of all, as we get older, we need fewer calories because there’s a shift from lean muscle mass to fat and a consequent slowdown in metabolism. In fact, 60% of adults are not active enough and this increases with age.

To avoid menopause weight gain, you have to cut back your food intake by about 200 calories per day.
You lose muscle mass, which decreases your resting metabolism, making it easier to gain weight.
Your aerobic capacity declines. This is the rate at which you can use up energy during exercise. You may need to increase the amount of time you’re exercising to achieve weight loss, no matter what your past activity levels were.
Regular physical activity may also help reduce hot flashes, counter depression, sharpen your thinking, and promote good sleep.

Calcium and vitamin D supplements may also help prevent postmenopausal weight gain.

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