According to Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, hormonal changes of menopause can cause weight gain in women. Here is howto keep the weight off.

What Causes Weight Gain During Menopause?

The hormonal fluctuations of menopause may increase the likelihood of weight gain, especially around the tummy area. However, hormonal changes alone may not always induce weight gain during menopause. In most cases, the weight increase may be due to ageing, lifestyle, and hereditary factors.
 
Typically, muscle mass decreases with ageing, whereas fat increases. Loss of muscle mass slows down your metabolism. That might make maintaining a healthy weight more difficult. If your current eating habits and levels of physical activity do not improve, you will gain weight.
 
There may also be a genetic component to menopausal weight gain. If your parents or other close relatives carry excess abdominal fat, you are also prone to gain weight. Other factors, such as a lack of exercise, bad food, and insufficient sleep, may also increase weight during menopause. People who are sleep deprived tend to nibble more and eat more calories.

How Dangerous Is Weight Gain Following Menopause?

Menopause-related weight gain can have severe health consequences. Excess weight, particularly around the waist, raises your risk for the following health problems:

• Breathing difficulties
• Cardiovascular and vascular disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• In addition to increasing your risk for breast, colon, and endometrial cancers, obesity also raises your risk for other forms of cancer.

What Is The Greatest Way To Avoid Gaining Weight After Menopause?

No secret technique exists to prevent or reverse menopausal weight gain. It is as simple as sticking to these weight control fundamentals:
*Exercise more
Physical activity, such as aerobic exercise and strength training, can aid in weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. As you grow muscle, your body burns calories more effectively, making it simpler to maintain a healthy weight.
 
“Experts recommend moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, for at least 150 minutes per week or strenuous aerobic activity, such as running, for at least 75 minutes per week for most healthy individuals,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
 
“Additionally, weight training should happen at least twice each week. Depending on your fitness goals, you may need to exercise more.”
 
Eat less
To maintain your current weight or remove extra kilograms, you may require around 200 fewer calories per day in your 50s. That may be less compared to your 30s and 40s.
 
“To cut calories without sacrificing nutrients, be mindful of what you eat and drink. Select more fruits, veggies, and whole grains, especially those that are little processed and high in fibre,” adds Hewlett.
 
A plant-based diet is often healthier than other alternatives. Good options include legumes, nuts, soy, salmon, and low-fat dairy products. Eat red meat and poultry in moderation. Replace butter, margarine sticks, and shortening with olive or vegetable oil.
 
Learn More: Vegetable Protein Cuts Risk of an Early Menopause
 
Limit alcohol*
Alcoholic beverages add extra calories to the diet and increase the chance of weight gain.
 
Alcohol may contribute to weight gain in several ways:

• It prevents your body from burning fat.
• It is high in kilojoules.
• It can make you feel hungry.
• It can induce you to make bad eating choices.

Whether or not you gain weight from alcohol depends on what you drink, how much you drink, how often you drink and what you eat while drinking.
 
In addition to the possibility of weight gain, excessive alcohol use poses severe health hazards, including high blood pressure, high triglycerides, insulin resistance, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and some malignancies.
 
*Seek help*
Surround yourself with friends and family supporting your efforts to improve your nutrition and physical exercise. Even better, make the lifestyle modifications as a group.
 
“Remember that effective weight loss at any age needs persistent dietary and activity modifications. Commit to lifestyle modifications to prevent menopausal weight gain,” concludes Hewlett.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health is the leading provider of affordable medical insurance in South Africa. Members enjoy access to a network of healthcare providers. We have designed healthcare products to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.