For many women menopause leads to weight gain. There are certain life changes which influence this reaction. Hormonal and bodily function changes are the biggest culprits behind menopausal weight gain. A lot of women in their mid 40’s are simply waiting for the excess pounds to start adding on; however, that does not have to be the case. Just because you have reached a certain stage in your life it does not mean that you have to give in to excess weight.
A recent study shows that women on average gain approximately 26 pounds between the ages of 18 to 55; however, only 6 of those pounds are gained after menopause. What this study proves is that menopause is not the main cause for weight gain. Some of the factors which might be responsible for the unwanted pounds include genetics and lifestyle. If your mother gained a lot of weight between her 30’s and 50’s than chances are that you too will gain weight unless you take the proper precautions.
Yes, mid-life weight gain can be avoided. With a healthy lifestyle which consists of physical activity and proper nutrition, weight gain can be a thing of the past. All women, not just those in their mid 30’s, should invest the time to come up with a healthy nutritional guide and a regular fitness regimen. Eating a lot of whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy can be a start to a healthy diet. Because let’s face it, the diet you are consuming has a lot to do with your weight fluctuations. You can buy the best diet pills on the market, but nothing beats a well balanced, healthy diet. Some women also substitute one of their daily meals for a whey protein shake in order to lessen their calorie intake while at the same time getting adequate nutrition. These are just a few tips regarding menopause and weight gain.