For many women over 50, menopause and weight gain seem to be intertwined. It is very common for them to gain weight at this stage of their lives. There is also a tendency to put on weight around the abdomen. This is very different from when they were younger as any weight gained then was usually centered on the hips.
Hormonal changes appear to bear an effect on this. At menopause, her body secretes less quantities of estrogen, a female hormone that induces the ovulation process. Animal studies demonstrate that diminished estrogen brings about weight gain and it might be the same cause in the changes in the shape of women's bodies. During a woman's childbearing years, fat is stored in the lower body. However, once menopause is passed, they deposit it around the abdominal area.
Additionally, women will go through some muscular atrophy and have more fat as they enter old age, and the metabolism rate of theirs decelerates. Therefore, if you don't adjust your diet, your will likely add on weight.
Estrogen hormone therapy is usually recommended to contain menopausal symptoms. It often surprises women to discover that therapy using the hormone is not the cause of any big gains in weight. A few women do get bloated and retain water during the earlier stage of therapy but it is only for a short period. Additionally, the women do not accumulate any fat.
One of the ways hormone therapy aids in reducing risk of heart disease is thru the alteration of the deposition of fat in the abdominal area.
If you think that you are accumulating excessive fat at menopause, below is a list of healthy methods you could try to aid in improving your well-being.
-Keep to a low-fat diet and also include a large amount of fiber. In addition, sugar is to be avoided.
-Exercise regularly. People tend to become less physically active as they get older. Thirty minutes daily of moderate physical activity can do wonders for both your mind and body.
-Use your muscles. While walking or cycling can help leg muscles, you can use weights for your arm muscles.
-Accepting any physical change as a natural process of growing old gracefully will make it easier for you. If you just have a heavier waistline and slender legs, but aren't really overweight, everything is still alright.
See a medical expert if you want to begin a diet regimen, particularly if you are experiencing any present medical ailments. You may also discuss menopause and the issue of gaining weight and look for ways to overcome any potential problems.
