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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