Weight gain and Menopause in Women

Is there any link between weight gain and menopause? Like, really? Let’s find out.

“I experienced a sudden and dramatic weight gain. I was healthy and exercised moderately five times a week for 20-plus years; I have always been careful about my diet. But, even after trying various diets, I cannot get rid of these extra 8 kgs, and I've moved into the officially "overweight" category. What happened? Am I doomed to eat only lettuce in the future?”

This question was asked by Ravina, a 49-year-old woman when she visited our clinic two years back. She was confused and upset with the sudden weight gain – all too often the ‘menopausal change’ resulted in an ‘unwelcome change’ for her in the form of increased numbers on weighing scale. After a thorough medical checkup and diagnosis, we revealed the truth to her that it’s because of menopause.

However, gaining weight as one of the signs of menopause isn’t necessary for all – it may or may not happen with women at 40s or 50s (or much before that i.e. perimenopause (early menopause)). For women, who start seeing signs of menopause are likely to accumulate fat around the abdomen, hips, and thighs. But, hormonal changes alone don't necessarily cause menopause weight gain. Instead, the weight gain is usually related to aging, as well as lifestyle and genetic factors.

Also Read: Causes of Obesity

The hormone, estrogen, maintains the body weight in women. When there is lower quantity of estrogen in your body, you tend to consume more and are physically less active. The reduction in estrogen also leads to low metabolism. The lack of estrogen also makes it difficult to use up starch and glucose efficiently. As you age, the mass of your muscles lessens while the fat amplifies. Since the muscle mass is reducing, your body cannot use up the calories as it was used to previously, and this makes it difficult to control your weight. A sedentary lifestyle with constant stress also results in changing your eating patterns and this can contribute to your weight gain during menopause.

Genetic factor may also play a role in weight gain before/during menopause years. Example – if your mother carries extra weight around the abdomen, you’re likely to do the same.

Also Read: Early menopause: At What Age Does It Start? What are the symptoms?

While you cannot stop menopause from occurring, you could be proactive and adapt measures to not let the menopausal process take over your overall health. Firstly, make sure that you exercise daily. It does not have to be vigorous exercise. It is adequate to do moderate aerobic activity like walking for about 30 minutes every day to make sure that your waistline is not spreading beyond your jeans size. Jog or walk in a park, absorbing the nature around you and de-stress yourself, making the act pleasurable rather than monotonous.

Secondly, you can take help of homeopathy for obesity and menopausal complaints. Homeopathy for menopause treatment and obesity pays the greatest attention to the precise symptom-picture and personality portrait of each individual. In order to treat, homeopathy evaluates every woman’s likes and dislikes, emotional and psychological patterns, sensibilities and sensitivities.

Also Read: Menopause Treatment in Homeopathy

Along with obesity and menopause treatment in homeopathy, stick to weight-control basics i.e. – keep moving, check your sweet craving, eat healthy and fresh foods. Most importantly, seek help whenever required instead of suffering alone. At Dr Batra’s, we have expert doctors, dieticians and nutritionists; ready to help and guide you to treat all your menopausal complaints, including weight gain, hot flashes, mood swings, irritability and insomnia.