How to Stop Weight Gain During Menopause

Hormonal changes that occur during menopause often contribute to weight gain. Many studies have confirmed that menopausal and postmenopausal women are likely to gain weight and have larger midsections than women who have not gone through menopause. But the reason why this weight gain occurs is not clear.

One research study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology questions how different factors such as age, menopause, and lifestyle changes account for the weight gain often experienced by midlife women. They studied the activity levels of over 3,000 women across the country. They found that by remaining active, many prevented weight gain.

In another study where both men and women were studied over the course of 20 years, researchers found that those who maintained a very high level of physical activity experienced smaller increases in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.

How to Stop Weight Gain

So, what really causes midlife weight gain? In addition to the hormonal changes that happen in women's bodies during middle age, consider some of the other life changes that often occur:

• Kids move away from home
• Decreased workload around the house
• Retirement
• Increased travel
• Increased interest in leisure activities
• Increased time for social activities, such as cooking/entertaining/dining out
• Change in life priorities
• Slower pace in life

Not every person will experience these changes, but many of them result in a decrease in their overall physical activity level. When your physical activity level decreases, so does your metabolism. This pattern has led some researchers to wonder if weight gain occurs because of a change in lifestyle rather than a change in hormones.

If your lifestyle begins to change as you age, try to keep physical activity and portion control at the top of your priority list:

• When kids move away from home, use your extra time to exercise. Join a gym, organize a hiking or walking group, or learn a new sport. Strength training, in particular, improves muscle mass.
• If you have more time to entertain, learn a few healthy cooking tips and share low-calorie, low-fat meals with friends and family.
• Travel and leisure activities can include exercise. Many travel companies specialize in active vacations. Instead of laying on the beach, bike, hike, or paddle through your favorite tropical destination.

Using Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the use of prescription estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone to reduce menopausal symptoms. In some women, hormone replacement therapy has prevented weight gain. However, it is not a treatment intended to prevent weight gain, and it is also associated with side effects, such as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

If you would like to consider hormone replacement therapy for your menopausal symptoms, speak to your healthcare provider. Together with your physician, you can determine the best treatment for your particular symptoms.