Menopause and Weight Loss

by Lashell Hoover | More from this Blogger

13 Feb 2007 09:54 PM

Aging is an inevitable factor of life and so is menopause. This passage of life can occur when a woman is between the ages of 35 and 60. The age range is so wide because this natural occurrence is unique to the individual. It is believed that a woman will experience menopause close to the age that her mother went through it. Outside factors like a hysterectomy or radiation treatment can bring about menopause early. This life event can take more than a decade to run its course. There are three stages: perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause. When a woman has not had her menstrual cycle for one calendar year, she is said to be menopausal.

Weight gain, particularly about the middle, is common during this time. In addition, weight maintenance can be difficult. Falling estrogen levels, loss of muscle tissue, slow metabolism, inadequate nutrition, lack of exercise, insulin resistance, and stress are factors that contribute to the unwanted spread.

Here are some options to fight the bulge.

1. Participate in moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day. Add strength training to increase muscle mass.

2. Limit the fat in your diet. Make healthy food choices. Consider your sources for dietary fat. 3. Decrease caloric intake.

4. Consult a professional. It may help to speak with a doctor, nutritionist, or fitness expert. You may need a regiment that is tailored to address your weight loss needs and lifestyle.

5. Find an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on to make it over the hills and through the valleys. It helps to talk about the changes you're experiencing.

You're invited to share suggestions which could help others lose weight and keep it off. If you have been successful with weight loss or weight maintenance during menopause please share your story with us.

On another note, I want to share some info about a product that I want for myself. It's a sugar shaker. I saw this product on a news show and I thought it would be great because my children use way too much sugar. The shaker holds a quarter pound of sugar. It can dispense a half a teaspoon of sugar at a time which equals one sugar packet. It's called Sugar Please Automatic Sugar Dispenser and it's sold online.

Learn more about Lashell Hoover

Lashell Hoover lives in Maryland with her husband, three children, and beloved pets. A former SAHM, she is currently a full-time university student. She enjoys writing, reading, music, art, and life.

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