Menopause symptoms aren’t limited to night sweats and mood swings. Weight gain is a common result of both perimenopause and menopause. Studies indicate that many women will put on an additional pound each year throughout menopause.
The variations in hormone levels which are a side-effect of menopause are believed to be an important factor in weight gain during this phase of life. There are other factors as well that produce weight gain in the mature woman. Lifestyle plays a big part in the changes that your body undergoes. Lots of women are getting less exercise and eating more during this phase of life. As well, the composition of your body changes as it accumulates more fat and starts to lose muscle, the consequence of a slower metabolism. Heredity is also a consideration in menopausal weight gain.
Drastic weight gain can lead to various health problems that might exacerbate menopausal symptoms. It’s also been established that women who put on 20 pounds or more following menopause have a 20 percent higher likelihood of acquiring breast cancer. However, those who lose some weight have better odds of escaping this serious disease. You can decrease your risk of breast cancer by 23 percent just by losing 20 pounds.
If you want to keep from gaining weight and maintain good health during menopause, a nutritious diet and regular exercise are highly advisable. Regular exercise can boost your metabolism, thereby enabling you to burn more fat. You can increase your muscle mass by strength training, which also boosts your metabolism and helps maintain strong bones.
The advantages of a balanced diet are well recognized. But beginning in your 40s, you will have to consume 200 fewer calories each day simply to maintain your weight where it is. Before entering perimenopause, it’s important to adopt a nutritious eating plan in order to avoid weight gain during full menopause.
We need to be accepting of the changes that are certain to occur with our bodies. If you’re hoping to hang on to the body you have now for the rest of your life, don’t hold your breath. We might despise the thought that our bodies won’t be eternally tight and toned, regardless of our efforts. However, the most effective approach is to focus on improving whatever aspects of your health that you are able to.
For those who would rather not take prescription medication to get relief from the symptoms of menopause, herbal help for menopause can comfortably get you through this stage of your life. Learn more at Menopause Symptoms Relief.