Menopause and Weight Gain

Many women find it hard to maintain their usual weight during menopause. While the process of menopause varies from woman to woman, the majority of women gain weight during this transitional period of time. Many factors can affect menopause, such as genetics, lifestyle, aging, and hormones.
 

Weight gain normally begins during perimenopause. It is at this stage that a woman typically finds it very difficult to lose weight.
 

Perimenopause

Perimenopause normally starts between the mid-30s and early 50s. This is the stage right before a woman begins menopause. At this stage, women begin to experience changes in their bodies. Some of the symptoms of perimenopause include:
 

• Weight gain
   

• Depression
   

• Anxiety and irritability
   

• Headaches
   

• Changes in the menstrual cycle
   

• Sleep disturbances
   

• Heat intolerance and hot flashes
  
   

During this time, progesterone levels decline, and estrogen levels become erratic. The hormonal changes that take place during perimenopause usually cause a change in the distribution of abdominal fat. Fat from the thighs and hips is shifted to the abdomen during menopause. That is why it is important to decrease belly fat during this stage of life.


 

Fat and Estrogen Distribution during Menopause

Estrogen plays a big role in body fat distribution. As estrogen levels begin to drop during perimenopause, many women experience a gain in fat mass. Estrogen and progesterone give women curves in their youth. However, when the production of these hormones decreases, the changes caused are more widespread. Women who are past their childbearing years tend to store fat around the abdomen, making them “apple-shaped.” As they continue to age, women may experience insulin resistance, which makes losing weight very hard.


 

Can One Lose Weight Through Crash Diets?

Over the years, women in menopause have attempted to lose weight through crash diets. A crash diet involves eating smaller amounts of food than you would normally eat for a short duration of time. Does this work?
 

According to research, during menopause, the number of calories a woman burns during rest tends to decline. When you go on a crash diet, you reduce the number of calories in your body, leading to a loss in muscle mass. When you go back to your normal diet, you are likely to put on more weight than before. The fat hormone, known as leptin, tends to decrease in the body after a crash diet. When leptin levels drop, your appetite increases and your metabolism slows down.


 

How to Speed Up Weight Loss During and After Menopause

Losing weight during menopause can be frustratingly difficult. If you are looking to get your curves back, especially by slimming your waistline, there are non-invasive procedures you can consider, such as advanced light therapy treatments. Sarasota Laser Lipo offers a revolutionary full-body treatment, which is shaking up the weight loss and red light therapy industry. With over twelve green, red and infrared frequency and pulsation combinations, both women and men are seeing and feeling the results quicker than any others on the market.
 

This is a full body treatment that targets areas of your body with stubborn fat cells that refuse to shift, while toning and tightening, reducing signs of aging, and improving your health all at the same time. The procedure is safe and natural, with no pain, bruising, or post-procedural downtime.
 

If you are looking to lose weight around your waist or other parts of your body, Sarasota Laser Lipo is glad to help. Using our advanced light therapy treatment, we have helped hundreds of patients get rid of stubborn fat and live their best lives.

To learn more about menopause and weight gain, visit Sarasota Laser Lipo at our office in Sarasota, Florida. You can also call (941) 241-0500 to book an appointment today.