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Hormonal Changes and their Impact on Weight
You may notice an increase in weight, especially around your midsection, despite maintaining your usual diet and exercise routine. Wondering what might be causing this?
For women in their 40s or 50s, this could be a clear indication that their bodies are undergoing the transition to menopause. It is not uncommon for individuals in this natural stage of life to experience weight gain, particularly around the belly (often referred to as “menopause belly”), along with other bothersome symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes, painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections, irregular periods, depression, thinning hair, mood swings, and more.
Among these symptoms, weight gain can be especially frustrating. Dr. Monica Christmas, MD, a gynecologist at the University of Chicago Medicine and director of the health system’s menopause program and the Center for Women’s Integrated Health, acknowledges the rapid and significant changes some patients report, emphasizing the need for proactive measures.
The encouraging news is that there are strategies to mitigate weight gain and address other menopausal symptoms. Dr. Christmas provides insights into these approaches and addresses commonly asked questions about managing menopause-related belly fat, hormone therapy, and the most effective dietary and exercise practices during this life stage.
When does the onset of menopausal weight gain occur?
Typically, it is most pronounced during perimenopause, the initial phase of menopause. In perimenopause, menstrual cycles persist, albeit with changes, and symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain may manifest. These symptoms can emerge up to seven to 10 years before the onset of menopause, resulting from hormonal fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels. The variations in these hormones, combined with other factors, contribute to a swift increase in weight.
What factors contribute to menopausal weight gain?
The decline in estrogen and progesterone levels, coupled with the aging process, instigates metabolic shifts within the body. One notable change involves a reduction in muscle mass, leading to a decrease in calorie expenditure. As the body burns fewer calories, fat begins to accumulate. Genetics, insufficient sleep, and a sedentary lifestyle also play pivotal roles in this process. It forms a cyclic pattern: diminishing muscle tone, increased fat accumulation, a slowing metabolism, and subsequent weight gain, perpetuating the cycle.
