With nearly 90% of menopausal women experiencing an increase in their weight, it is an incredibly common symptom of hormonal transition. Although aging is widely believed to inevitably result in some weight gain, there are actually ways of preventing this embarrassing occurrence.
Some studies have shown that women can add almost 15 pounds to the total weight of their body during menopause, especially when turning a blind eye to the symptoms that cause this increase in weight. Weight gain is often found in the abdominal area as the feminine hourglass shape is gradually lost.
Weight gain can have serious consequences to your health if left untreated. Heart disease and diabetes are only some of the possible results of prolonged weight gain. Fortunately, there are several ways in which weight gain can be treated during menopause. It is important to first realize what causes menopausal weight gain, as this knowledge will allow you to better alleviate this condition. Next, find out why you gain weight at menopause.
The Five Major Constituents to Menopausal Weight Gain
1. Lack of quality sleep
Issues with sleep can constitute major problems to everyday productivity and functioning. Serious impediment of quality sleep time can lead to weight gain. When faced with a lack of sleep, you are much more likely to be easily stressed; people in distress often turn to food for comfort.Stress is just one of the many side effects of a lack of sleep. Most experts recommend at least eight hours of sleep per night, as this will allow for maximum daytime functioning and productivity. Obtaining an adequate amount of sleep is one of the important things you can implement into an improved daily routine designed to reduce weight gain during menopause.
2. Increased amount of stress
The combination of mild menopausal symptoms commonly experienced by women during hormonal transition can often result in a nearly intolerable status of perpetual stress and anxiety. Daily life can be stressful already, with constant demands from all aspects of life to perform perfectly without cease. During menopause, this normal daily stress can cause even more emotional imbalance.To reduce stress, many menopausal women turn to the temporary solutions of fattening foods and alcoholic drinks. Over a prolonged period of time, both of these temporary fixes can be detrimental and counterproductive when attempting to lose weight during menopause. Instead, you should implement a healthy diet, an adequate amount of sleep and regular exercise to effectively maintain your weight gain.
3. Lack of exercise
Studies have shown that menopausal women are the least likely group of people to exercise regularly. This is understandable, as many find physical activity intolerable while suffering from the huge array of aggravating menopausal symptoms.Menopausal women exercise less than any other group of people, according to research. This can go a long way towards promoting weight gain, particularly when your muscle mass is decreasing through age and you need to address you body composition. However, exercise is one of the best ways to lose weight.
4. Hormonal imbalance
During menopause, the body decreases its production of estrogen, an important mood-balancing hormone. This hormonal imbalance is what causes the majority of menopausal symptoms, with weight gain being no exception. Balancing your hormones through simple lifestyle adaptations is definitely the most effective way to control menopausal weight gain.5. Unhealthy diet
The body steadily loses metabolic effectiveness both through age and menopause. This slowed metabolism creates perfect conditions for the increase of body weight, especially during menopause. Make sure you consume appropriate portions of healthy foods rich in essential vitamins, like fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates. Limit your consumption of unhealthy, sugary foods like chocolate and fast food.Weight gain is an embarrassing condition extremely prevalent in menopausal women. Weight gain can be controlled, however, by implementing a healthy diet, healthy sleeping habits and a good diet into your daily routine. Not only will you be healthier during menopause, but you will experience an increase in overall longevity.
Know the answers to all menopausal weight gain frequently asked questions.
