Weight Gain Due to Menopause is Not Set in Stone

Just when you think you have your weight under control; menopause rains on your parade. Why is weight gain and menopause synonymous? Your body produces less estrogen, and instead of the fat being stored around the hip area; it proceeds directly to the stomach area.

In addition, the risk for diabetes, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease becomes a factor. Wait; it gets worse. If you are predisposed to high levels of cholesterol, losing estrogen, which controls the levels of cholesterol, increases.

Thus, weight gain, though not directly caused by menopause, is a product of over-eating. As you age, fewer calories are needed; you tend to exercise less; and if you happen to give up smoking, or are plagued with anxiety or depression, you find whatever comfort you can in food.

Then the answer in reducing weight gain is to eat less and exercise more. Instead of a high daily caloric intake, reduce it to a maximum of 1500 calories a day. A healthy diet regimen of fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, low-fat diary and very lean meat can make quite a difference. Since calcium is so important during menopause be sure to get an adequate supply from fat-free cheeses, fat-free milk and light or fat-free sour cream

In addition, increase your fiber intake and reduce liquids containing alcohol and caffeine. Reduction of alcohol and caffeine will also slow up the skin wrinkling process. More importantly, less fat in your diet is the key. Exercise regularly; this increases your good cholesterol and reduces your bad cholesterol. It also prevents the possibility of diabetes, osteoporosis and other diseases. Because your metabolic rate lowers with age, exercise will raise the level which will inhibit your need to eat.

While there are other methods you can utilize such as hormone replacement therapy, there are some studies which suggest the side effects associated with this course of action may not be desirable. However, if it is determined you have high cholesterol, either through no fault of your own, genetics or due to weight gain after menopause; there are specific medications which can lower your cholesterol significantly. One of the most popular is Lipitor; and the other is Crestor. A routine blood test can determine your HDL and LDL levels, as well as your triglyceride count. There are also many over the counter cholesterol lowing products. Undoubtedly, your doctor will recommend either medication, or advise you to embark on a diet and exercise regimen.

Take comfort in the knowledge that your mom did not have the benefit of these medical breakthroughs; she not only went through menopause, but did not need any medical intervention. Perhaps she gained weight, or maybe she did not. Either way, she muddled through. While menopause is a fact of life; it does not have to be the end of it. Although we can not do much to decrease the affects; we can do a great deal to overcome the weight gain associated with it. Take the path of least resistance; begin a healthy diet program today.