Is weight loss after menopause possible? It would seem so, to many women who have noticed weight gain at menopause, even though nothing about their eating habits nor activity levels has changed. It’s not what you are eating or doing that is to blame. It’s what is going on inside your body that is the culprit. Learning about weight loss after menopause is going to help you understand and combat this issue.
Remember when you hit puberty and “they” said your body was going through significant changes to become a woman? Well, it’s happening again. Only they don’t tell you what you are becoming, this time around. They don’t tell you that the cessation of menses means your body is slowing down.
For one thing, the production rate of estrogen in your body has diminished. Your body still needs it, however, and so it turns to another source for its needs: your fat cells! Yes, fat cells will create estrogen! And when the body senses the supply is getting low, it will start conserving what resources it has. You might be hoping to accomplish some weight loss after menopause, but your body won’t let go of it.
Because of this little fact, many women will gain weight at and just before menopause (perimenopause). The fat stores will start depositing in different places than before, as well. Instead of layering just under the skin level (subcutaneously), the fat will start filling up the spaces in between your organs (viscerally). This can happen, even though the scale says you have not gained anything. The waist band of your pants probably will tell you that, though. Of course, your particular genetic makeup and lifestyle is going to play a huge part in this process, too.
The thing to remember in all of this is that weight loss after menopause is very possible. You will need to monitor your eating habits and activity levels, but at your age, you’ve already probably started doing that. I know I was looking into better nutrition for my aging body long before I hit menopause. My point is, that, well-informed is well-armed. Knowledge is going to be your best friend in order to succeed with weight loss after menopause.
Make sure you get plenty of minerals and vitamins, as naturally as possible, adding supplements when necessary. This means fresh fruits and veggies and avoiding at nearly all costs any foods made with refined white flours and sugars. Consider keeping a food journal. In more ways than one, a journal will help you with weight loss after menopause. You will get a clear insight as what you are taking in and just how much real nutrition you are getting from your foods.
And, of course, you knew we weren’t going to leave you without saying something about the dreaded “e” word—exercise! Your activity levels are more important now than ever before. Menopause is causing your body to slow down. That is absolutely the last thing you want to be doing, especially if you want weight loss after menopause. Keep your activity levels up. Even a simple 30 minute walk every day will go a long way towards increasing your metabolism and ensuring that much-sought-after weight loss after menopause.
Related article:
Perimenopause weight gain.