Being overweight is simpler to overcome when you're younger. But it can be harder after menopause. Prior to starting a weight-loss programme after menopause, it's critical to comprehend how your body alters as you go through this phase of life. Your body starts to move away from childbearing in your mid- to late-40s. You can no longer become pregnant and your menstruation ends permanently.
Many individuals mistakenly believe that the menopause occurs just before your final menstruation. Perimenopause is the name for the early stage, which typically lasts four years. Your body produces substantially less oestrogen and progesterone after menopause, but throughout perimenopause, your hormone levels fluctuate.
You could experience typical menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, and irregular periods when your hormone levels fluctuate. Weight growth usually occurs around your hips and thighs while you're young. Your habits of weight growth change as you get older, favouring your stomach. As you get used to having a different body type than you did previously, this could make you frustrated. Additionally, it is more challenging to lose weight as a result of the same hormonal changes that alter how weight is distributed. You could get emotional effects from this. Furthermore, there are other health hazards.
Your body accumulates fat with the help of the hormone insulin. Your body holds onto fat more readily when you have higher insulin levels. Estrogen aids in preventing insulin surges, but when levels drop, as they do before and throughout menopause, your body is less equipped to do so. Higher insulin levels may cause more fat to be retained.
After menopause, it is still feasible to lose weight, but you could find that your older, tried-and-true methods are no longer effective. You'll need to consume even fewer calories postmenopause to lose weight because your normal calorie expenditure has decreased. Although increased activity can assist maintain weight reduction, avoid weight gain, and promote positive changes in body composition, cutting calories is still important for weight loss.