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Reasons Why women gain weight during menopause
Women may have a tendency to gain weight or experience obesity during menopause. This may be visible through increasing belly fat accumulation. But what are the reasons driving this weight gain? Dr Sehgal explains some of the basic causes.
1. Hormonal changes
Weight gain around menopause is due to the ongoing hormonal changes in the body. “As estrogen levels decline during menopause, the body redistributes fat from the hips and thighs to the abdomen. This shift in fat distribution increases the risk of developing visceral fat, which is associated with various health problems including cardiovascular disease and diabetes,” she says.
2. Loss of muscle mass
As women approach menopause, there is often a loss of muscle mass, which can result in a decrease in overall metabolic rate. This decrease in metabolic rate means that the body burns fewer calories during daily activities, making it easier to accumulate excess weight.
3. Lifestyle factors
Weight gain during menopause can also be attributed to lifestyle factors such as decreased physical activity, poor dietary choices, and elevated stress levels. During menopause, some women may feel changes in appetite, cravings and hunger cues.
