Perimenopausal and menopausal women may notice a sudden weight gain at this time of their lives. Losing weight in menopause is actually not as difficult at it may have been in times past. Get the skinny (pun intended) or the real low-down on how with this article.
In the first place, losing weight in menopause is really no different than losing weight prior to the big change for the average woman. Weight gain at pre-menopausal times is difficult, but possible with a solid regimen of exercise and proper diet. This is true for losing weight in menopause, as well. The difference lies in the types of fat that women tend to accumulate at the different times of their lives.
Prior to menopause, a woman’s body stores fat at the subcutaneous level, that is, basically, just under the skin and above the muscles. Double chin and bat wings under that arms are prime examples of this as well as that most stubborn type of subcutaneous fat, cellulite, which tends to accumulate at the thighs and buttocks.
Working hard at a rigorous exercise program is vital for losing weight at any time in a person’s life, but the good news is that the fat a woman tends to get after menopause is a kind that responds actually far better to exercise than the subcutaneous fat.
Losing weight in menopause with exercise and a healthy diet means that the menopausal fat, which is visceral, comes off easier. Visceral fat is a very unhealthy type of fat. It does not store in the same place as subcutaneous fat. It stores in the peritoneal area, under the abdominal muscle. It crowds the organs and contributes to various nasty diseases, like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and bad cholesterol.
A regular, aerobic workout program, like walking or swimming, is best for losing weight in menopause. Not only will the visceral fat come off faster than the subcutaneous fat, but also metabolism will be boosted. Since menopause has the unfortunate complication of slowing the metabolism, exercise will negate this effect.
Losing weight in menopause also means eating healthy foods. Read the labels of your food products and try to avoid saturated fats and oils. Add whole grains to your diet and avoid products made with whole flour altogether. Lean meats should take the place of fatty cuts. Bake and/or broil instead of frying your foods. Fresh fruits and veggies are great for minerals and vitamins, but also keep the waste processing plant operating well.
Related article:
Dealing With Menopausal Fat.
