Weight Gain - Why Does Fat Build Up Around Your Tummy During the Menopause?

The dreaded middle age spread is something many women over the age of 40 will experience and particularly during and after the Menopause. Many factors play a part in weight gain of course, and lifestyle, eating habits and hormonal changes are the main culprits.

When the menopause first starts, menstruation will normally become irregular and eventually stop altogether. This is because the body begins producing insufficient levels of the female hormone estrogen, the hormone responsible for ovulation and this is probably the main factor in causing many women to start piling on the pounds. Although it still begs the question, why does any increase in weight at this time, tend to target different areas of the body like the tummy for example, whereas in the past it headed south, to the hips?

The answer is a combination of things, and low levels of estrogen is thought to be one of �the reasons that our bodies start to change shape. When you were of childbearing age, your body stored fat around your hips and buttocks, specifically to act as reserve storage area to meet the demands of lactation, so during the menopause this fat storage area is no longer needed and �starts to store it around your middle, just as men do. In addition, as we grow older our metabolism slows down and much of the muscle we had in our younger days, turns to fat, usually caused by a reduction in activity.

So, what can be done to reduce the impact of this menopausal tsunami? Try these things if you find you are gaining weight at this time.

• Firstly, consult your doctor and discuss any worries you have about the menopause. He may be able to help alleviate any symptoms by prescribing hormone replacement therapy, if he thinks this is suitable for you. Get him to check your current fitness levels and discuss a fitness program that will offer you the most benefit.
• Do whatever you can to maintain and increase your muscle mass. You could try some weight training to include the abdomen area and at the very least start walking or cycling instead of using the car. This will build up the muscles in your legs and keep them nicely toned at the same time. If you maintain at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day, you will see and feel results. �
• Watch what you eat and try to keep a log of everything you put in your mouth. Drink lots of water, eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and include plenty of fiber as this will help keep you feeling full. Try to avoid too much sugar and salt.
• Finally, don't beat yourself up about a little weight gain and try to accept this and other symptoms of the menopause as a new challenge in your life. After all, lets look at the positive things the menopause brings, like not having to put up with those monthly periods again, not having to worry about contraception or unplanned pregnancies, giving you the opportunity to develop the "new you" and hey! Being a little chubbier around the middle makes you that much more cuddly.

Being overweight is not your fault but it is your problem so learn more about keeping your weight under control the sensible way, and keeping it off permanently.
Visit my website on http://www.theinfochief.com/category/weight-loss/

Related articles

• Strip That Fat Review - Discover What Makes it Spe
• Lose Weight in 2 Weeks at a Time
• The Inside Scoop on Dieting
• Weight Loss - Permanent Weight Reduction - Is it P
• How to Lose Weight With Natural Diet Pills and Wei