Menopause and Weight Gain

Menopause and weight gain seem to go together. The fact is that changes in the body's metabolism due to changes in hormone levels often do make the onst and weight gain evil twins that shake even the most even-keeled of us. No one wants to go through both at the same time. Fortunately, by having a strategy in place for dealing with them, it is possible to keep weight gain to a minimum.

As mentioned, gaining weight is most likely caused by hormonal shifts. Most women notice they are gaining weight in around their abdomen and thighs during the perimenopause phase. This is just one of the many symptoms , but that doesn't make it easier to face. Weight gain is like adding insult to injury, and many women just feel like giving up when it comes to trying to lose weight on top of everything else they must deal with.

However, making a few changes in diet and lifestyle can dramatically affect both menopause and weight gain. One of the first changes is to eat a high fiber, low fat diet. Also, engaging in some moderate type of exercise for twenty minutes three times a week can help burn extra calories and make it possible to lose weight. Exercise also has the added benefits of decreasing stress and aiding in sleep, both of which cause many sufferers a great deal of distress. Yoga is a great way to deal with both stress and weight gain, so it's worth looking into local yoga class offerings. Whatever you do, you want to avoid crash diets as they can cause you to go into a lose-gain cycle that can actually cause you to gain more weight.

Before beginning any diet and exercise regime, it's important to see your physician and have a thorough physical examination. You want to be sure that you're treating both your symptoms and weight gain in the most effective, safest manner possible. A good physical is needed to ensure you are indeed in menopause and that is the reason for your weight gain. Your doctor can also be an invaluable source of information on proper dieting methods that will ensure you stay healthy as you strive to deal with both menopause and weight gain too.

Also read our article about Menopause and Weight Loss