Weight gain and shift

Symptoms of Menopause: Weight gain and loss

As if the other symptoms of menopause weren’t enough, many women also experience weight gain during menopause or a general change in body shape.

Most of us put on a few pounds as we age, and more of what we eat turns to fat rather than muscle. This is because of the fluctuation in your hormones. Around the time of menopause, women develop "insulin resistance", making their bodies store fat rather than burn calories. This shift in weight can make you appear heavier, though you may weigh the same as you always did. The good news is that an extra five pounds or so is good padding for your bones in case of a fall.

What you can do: Try not to step on a scale every day, or sweat every little calorie. If you're overweight, talk to your healthcare provider about setting up a well-balanced diet for this time of life. And exercise, exercise, exercise! Women who are physically active tend to have fewer and less severe hot flashes.

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