Menopause
Weight Gain Is Not Always Inevitable
If you are a woman
in your forties or fifties, you may have noticed a few extra inches
around your waist. These stubborn pounds are usually a part of menopause
weight gain. During the transition to menopause, many women find
that losing weight is very difficult, and they also notice a shift
in weight from their hips and thighs to their stomachs. Menopause
weight gain, especially in the abdomen, is a normal part of the
signs of menopause but thankfully,
it does not have to be inevitable.
One of the first
steps women can take is to prevent menopause weight gain before
it starts. Starting in your thirties, it’s an excellent idea
to pay extra attention to your diet and exercise plan. Try to adhere
to a healthy, low-calorie diet and increase the amount of exercise
you get. As your metabolism slows with age, you’ll probably
need about 200 fewer calories per day. In addition, aerobic exercise
and weight training are beneficial in avoiding menopause weight
gain. At this time of life, a woman’s body tends to burn fewer
calories and lose muscle mass. A proper exercise plan can help you
fight these tendencies. As an added benefit, osteoporosis
exercise early in life can significantly reduce your chances
of suffering with another major health issue as you age, osteoporosis.
Menopause weight
gain is not only uncomfortable, but it also may lead to more serious
health problems. Menopause itself can be a factor in heart disease,
osteoporosis, and cancer. Menopause weight gain will increase the
chance of these conditions. Menopause weight gain has also been
linked to high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and breast
cancer risk. Anything women can do to prevent menopause weight gain
will have tremendous positive influences on lifelong health. Averting
menopause weight gain will likely diminish the apparent link between
menopause and depression.
Finally, there
is increasing evidence that menopause weight gain could be linked
to thyroid problems like hypothyroidism. If you suspect your weight
gain is caused by a thyroid condition, you should check into this
possibility as soon as possible. By taking the proper steps, you
can win the war against menopause weight gain and enter your golden
years as healthy as ever.
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