Menopausal Weight Gain- All You Need to Know

By Saba Murtaz

Menopause is a normal process and women’s bodies are designed to enter it at some point in life, so you should not regard it as an issue.

Yet, the increased fat storage during menopause often leads to weight gain, when the production of estrogen is reduced.

This hormone is heavily produced during the teen years, which activates the ovaries and the release of eggs into the fallopian tubes.
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Eventually, when the levels of estrogen decrease to that point that the ova release is stopped, the female body shifts its energy use from reproduction to maintenance of health.

It is at this time when the body becomes more susceptible to hormonal variations and changes, which often cause an increased ability to store fat in the midsection.

Yet, weight gain is not the only culprit for weight gain during menopause, but any hormonal imbalance in the body can contribute to it. Therefore, the balance of insulin, cortisol, thyroid hormones, and leptin plays a huge role.

Insulin

This hormone reduces the circulation of blood sugar, so to ensure an insulin balance, you should eat foods with a low glycemic index, and avoid foods rich in carbohydrates and with a high glycemic index.

Such foods cause spikes in the blood sugar levels, and over time, cause the development of insulin resistance, in which the body’s’ cells are less sensitive to insulin when levels are high in the bloodstream.

This, in turn, causes weight gain since the blood sugar should be eliminated from the bloodstream, and it is sent into the fat cells for storage.


Cortisol

The adrenal glands release cortisol, or the stress hormone, which elevates blood-sugar levels, and thus helps the body to get the needed fuel in order to perform their energy-requiring functions.

When the blood sugar levels are chronically elevated, the body might develop cortisol resistance and adrenal fatigue, in which the body cannot keep up with the demand of using the fuel sources, and they get stored as fat.


Leptin

Leptin is a hormone produced by our fat cells, sent to tell our hypothalamus (in our brain) that we are satiated. Leptin levels are increased in response to higher levels of sugars like fructose.

Over time, high blood sugar and high fructose levels can lead to leptin resistance in the cells of our hypothalamus. This over time can lead us to believe that we are not satiated, when in fact we are already full.

This is one of the causes of overeating due to a hormonal imbalance and resistance to leptin.
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Thyroid Hormones

These hormones determine the amount of energy the body cells can produce. In the case of increased thyroid levels, the cells burn more carbohydrates and fats to produce cellular energy (ATP, Adenosine Triphosphate) in the mitochondria.

When the function of the thyroid hormones is changed, the body cannot properly produce energy and burn carbs and fats, and they end up stored in the cells.

To maintain the balance of hormones in the body and thus optimize health and prevent weight gain when entering menopause, you should follow the tips below:


Eat Green, Clean and Lean

To optimize health, you need to eat a diet rich in healthy foods. There are certain foods which regulate blood sugar levels and thus balance hormones.

Make sure you increase the intake of greens, preferably dark green leafy vegetables. Avoid vegetables treated with chemicals, GMO, pesticides, and herbicides, and focus on foods rich in inflammatory fats.

Also, consume lean meats, organic foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, and seeds and nuts.
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Physical activity

Women older than fifty mostly lose their muscle mass due to inactivity, which also causes osteoporosis. Therefore, try to at least walk for 20-30 minutes daily, a few times a week. You must remain active and keep your body in a good shape.


Functional Lab Testing

You should check your hormonal levels and cellular health tested using functional lab testing, in order to correct any existing issue on time.

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