How to avoid menopause weight gain

Posted on August 16, 2022 by Sally-Anne Turner

Did you know that on average women gain between 10 to 15 pounds during or following the menopause? Research shows that the majority of women going through the change are more prone to developing obesity.

That’s because during the menopause the body gradually produces less and less of the hormone ‘oestrogen’, known as the female hormone. This hormone helps the body to regulate a woman’s metabolism, so without it you can be susceptible to gaining weight where you may not have before. As well as this, the menopause reduces the amount of ‘high-density lipoprotein’ your body makes. This is a protein responsible for transporting cholesterol throughout the body. When this decreases, the fat and energy we gain through eating is not properly distributed and builds up into weight gain.

This can be a scary prospect, especially if you struggle with your weight already. But don’t fret when the menopause is looming, as there are plenty of choices you can make to reduce the impact on your waistline and avoid the menopause weight gain. Bodyline Clinic is here to provide you with the advice, services, and support throughout this life changing period.

We have compiled the best lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the likelihood of menopause weight gain.

• Drink 2-3 litres of water every day Treat yourself to a water bottle that holds around 1.5 litres of liquid and aim to drink that amount twice a day. Drinking water every day can increase the amount of calories you are burning by around 30%, and has a great effect on your metabolism. It can also significantly improve some of the symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal dryness and brain fog.
• Begin hormone replacement therapy (HRT) HRT is a godsend for women going through the menopause, as it replaces the hormones your body no longer produces thus alleviating the uncomfortable symptoms. This includes the likelihood of weight gain. Bodyline Clinic offers fully supported and personalised hormone replacement therapy programmes in-clinic or remotely. Following a blood analysis, we can identify which hormones you, personally, are losing out on and curate a bespoke HRT programme to ensure you do not suffer the consequences and can avoid the menopause weight gain. To enquire, get in touch on 0800 995 6036 or fill in an online contact form for a call back.
• Increase moderate exercise Regular and consistent moderate exercise is great for the body, the mind, and the menopause. In fact, moving more won’t just help stave off the weight gain, but it also maintains bone density and strength – something that can be impacted by the change in hormones through menopause.
• Build muscle Another physical change that stems from the menopause is a loss in muscle mass and definition. When looking to lose weight, it is very beneficial to build your muscle and strength to improve your overall fitness and metabolism and allow you to burn more calories during physical activity. Try using weights and resistance machines at the gym, and if you’re nervous be sure to ask someone who works there.
• Try medical weight loss Sometimes we can try everything to lose weight and just don’t seem to see any progress. Whether it’s diet groups, a crazy new fad, or eating only one type of thing – weight loss can be very difficult for many men and women. If you feel nothing has worked, why not try medical weight loss? With Bodyline’s personalised medical weight loss journeys, over 100,000 clients have lost up to a stone in their first month. You can too, with Bodyline’s guaranteed success from over 17 years of experience.

  By prescribing safe and quality assured appetite suppressants aligned to your lifestyle and health, we can help you get to a healthy weight throughout your menopause and beyond. To enquire, call us on 0800 995 6036 or fill out an online contact form for a call back.

• Change your diet Eat your protein, reduce the simple carbohydrates, and eat little and often. Those are three tips to ensure you stick to a caloric deficit and lose weight. If you want to avoid weight gain during the menopause, be sure to burn more calories than you consume.

If you are looking for further advice on menopause weight gain or managing menopause symptoms, don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling 0800 995 3036 or fill in the online contact form for a call back. Also check out our other blog!