The reason why women over 45 gain weight: what can be done

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After 40-45 years, many women complain that they gain weight without changing their diet or reducing their usual physical activity. Losing weight is very difficult, and some say impossible.

Dr. Verity Biggs, a GP and private women's health practitioner, has some advice for those who find themselves in this situation and want to lose weight.

Why do women gain weight as they age?

Weight gain with age is common for both men and women, and it is part of the normal aging process.

— This is due to several factors, such as reduced activity, as well as changes in metabolism and fat distribution. Women usually accumulate fat around the waist, which leads to a change in silhouette. Some lose activity due to age-related diseases, such as joint problems. We're living longer and working longer, so we need to maintain our health, Biggs notes.

Menopausal symptoms can be long-term, both before and after menstruation stops.

– Symptoms of menopause can be very different: hot flashes, night sweats and poor sleep; physical symptoms such as vaginal dryness, bladder irritation, itching, joint pain; as well as mood swings, fogginess, memory problems, trouble concentrating, and low libido. Some of them can be very minor, others serious, says the doctor.

How are these symptoms treated?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is considered best for vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, but it also helps with most other symptoms.

— Other treatments can include local vaginal procedures, antidepressants, and other tools and treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy. We also need to think about improving and optimizing our lifestyle, being active, drinking less alcohol, and not smoking, says the doctor.

How does menopause affect a woman's weight? Is there an average weight gain during menopause?

– Menopause is often blamed for weight gain, but in fact it is the aging process itself and a change in the distribution of fat, – emphasizes the specialist.

How can a woman lose weight during menopause – should she follow a diet or do exercises?

– There are no diets or plans to follow to lose weight during menopause. We need to make long-term changes to our lifestyle, such as moving more, eating healthy. What is important is the protection of bone health through physical exercise and, in particular, weight-bearing exercise, as bone mass loss occurs after menopause, when estrogen levels drop, the doctor notes.

Menopause and falling levels estrogen affects everything because we have estrogen receptors everywhere in our body. Hair, nails, skin, joint pain, mood swings, memory problems change.

The only way to stay healthy for as long as possible is to review your lifestyle and make adjustments to it. These are nutrition, exercise, healthy sleep, stress minimization.