One of the most aggravating and perhaps dangerous symptoms of menopause is the potential for weight gain. By understanding how menopause can cause weight gain in women during this natural stage of life, it is easier to get a handle on what is coming and to prevent this from occurring. For women who have already packed on the extra pounds, there are many healthy and natural ways to take off any excess weight and maintain a healthy and leaner body.
Why does menopause cause weight gain?
There are a few reasons why this stage of life makes women susceptible to putting on extra pounds. Genetics may play a role in this as well as the fact that as we age, there is a tendency to gain weight. Typically as we age, muscle mass decreases and fat cells become more plentiful. Although hormonal changes may cause changes in lifestyle that bring about weight loss. In dealing with the ups and downs of menopausal symptoms, there may be more of a tendency to turn towards comfort foods, such as those high in carbohydrates and fats. Decreases in physical activity at this stage are one of the major reasons why women tend to gain more weight during menopause.
Lifestyle changes
If you have found yourself gaining more weight during the stages of menopause or after, there are a few simple remedies that can help you to take control and get back on track. First and foremost is to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and moderating your intake of carbohydrates is an excellent start. Changing your attitude towards food involves viewing it as nutrition for the body. When you adopt this mind set, you are less likely to consume foods that are unhealthy or that stimulate weight gain. Cutting back on fatty foods or those with high amounts of processed sugar is also a great way to control weight gain. In addition, drink plenty of water. Hydration is an important part of maintaining good health and providing a way to keep the toxins that can build up in the body flushed out.
Maintain a high level of activity
Keep active. If you find that your physical activity levels are decreasing, or you lead a sedentary lifestyle, it's time to make some healthy changes. Consult with your physician to ensure that you are following the best exercise routine for your individual health condition. Engaging in activities such as yoga, tai chi, working out at the gym, simply taking a daily walk or jog, or a social activity such as bowling or golf can make a great difference in the amount of calories that are retained and converted into body fat. By increasing your physical activity level, you'll find that you not only begin to trim away excess pounds, but you will also increase your energy levels and your stamina. In general, you'll feel better. Social interactions are also good for you as they decrease the likelihood of mood swings, anxiety and depression.
Conclusion
Weight gain during the stages of menopause is common, but not entirely due to menopause. The more likely causes are the events that occur during the natural aging process and genetic predisposition towards weight gain. When you have an understanding of the factors that bring about an increase in body fat, you are armed with the knowledge that you need to prevent it from happening, and to get rid of it if it does.
Choosing to make healthy lifestyle changes are the best ways to help you lose weight during and after menopause. In addition to toning and trimming your body, you'll be giving yourself a boost in other areas of your life as well. By properly fueling your body with the best food selections, you'll increase your energy levels and stamina. Through moderate exercise and staying physically active, you are protecting your heart and retaining more muscle mass. These simple tips can help you to shed any extra pounds that you may have gained during menopause. If you're just reaching the perimenopause stage, you have the tools at your disposal to enter it gracefully and keep your body fit, trim, and healthy.
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