Health and weight loss Part 2: Menopause
- InsideOut
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
I recently just watched an interview with Hale Berry and Hasan Minaj. It was very entertaining, but what I thought was excellent was her open honesty. Her story was about how she discovered she was in menopause, and to not reveal spoilers, it is worth a listen :)
I have written about menopause before. Consider it my pre menopause research and my desire to learn about what's coming. So I know I need to exercise more... Instead, my research takes me down the rabbit hole of menopause and weight. It is widely observed that women , and men, gain weight at mid life, and mid section it appears.
So why do we gain weight around menopause?
Hormone changes, largely oestrogen dropping, has a cascade effect on on our metabolism slowing. Unfortunately, this is accompanied with increased fat distribution around our abdomens.
Loss of general muscle mass as we age has its own consequences, such as decreased metabolism.
Simple consequence of aging is decreased activity, when we are less active, we gain weight.
Genetics are involved with everything, and I mean everything. This basically means that what you inherit is a huge part of what you experience as you age, including weight gain...
What we eat. The reality is, we may become less active, but seldom do we eat less. I am hopeful my attempt at intermittent fasting will do the trick... (imagine a an eyeroll)
Weight gain around our mid section is a health concern, even Discovery health have finally realised that it should hold more influence than out actual weight by changing the assessment. But more specifically, it increases risk of breathing problems, vascular disease and diabetes. So keeping it down is important.
So how do we keep down our abdominal fat? No surprises here...
Move more.
Eat less.
Decrease sugar and carbohydrates
Limit or stop alcohol
If all else fails, get medical help
So what about hormone therapy?
I am still doing my research. In general, I am a sceptic of drugs unless absolutely necessary. I absolutely can see the need and benefits, but very aware of the side effects or consequences. When I know better, I will share better. What are your experiences? I will follow up.
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