Weight during menopause: what you should pay attention to
Menopause brings noticeable changes for most women. Hormone levels go haywire – and this can also affect body weight. Many women find these fluctuations particularly stressful. What’s more, what used to work suddenly no longer has the desired effect. Here we will take a closer look at why healthy eating and exercise still remain important and what options you have.
Menopause and its effects on weight
During menopause, the hormonal balance changes significantly. For some women, this phase begins as early as their 40s, for others only in their mid-50s. The duration can also vary greatly. In many cases it is normal for your weight to change during this time.
As Besins Healthcare Germany reports in its online portal for menopause, many women complain about unwanted weight gain or that it is more difficult to maintain their desired weight. The causes are varied: the body changes, the metabolism slows down, and sometimes there is simply no strength to actively take care of it. Other menopausal symptoms such as sleep problems or mood swings can also make it difficult to live a healthy everyday life.
The health platform Bonafide Health points out that, in rarer cases, unwanted weight loss can also occur – a topic that receives significantly less attention. This can be due to the loss of muscle mass, but sometimes there is another health cause that goes beyond the menopause. The following applies in both cases: If you notice any noticeable changes, you should seek medical advice.
Counteract this with a healthy lifestyle
Despite all the challenges, it is worth maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The changed hormonal balance cannot be corrected overnight, but many symptoms can be alleviated through conscious habits.
A balanced diet remains the most important basis. The German Society for Nutrition emphasizes that a balanced diet not only supplies the body with important nutrients, but can also support general well-being. Sufficient intake of nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D and protein becomes particularly important during menopause – because the body now processes them differently than before.
Regular exercise you should not underestimate. Depending on your physical condition, different activities are possible: yoga, swimming, walking or even strength training. Even a regular amount of exercise can make a big difference. The most important thing is to find a form that can be easily integrated into your everyday life. Variety, realistic goals and conscious breaks will help you stick with it in the long term.
Medical support as an option
Sometimes diet and exercise alone are not enough. In such cases, medical support can be a useful supplement. Medical weight loss is becoming increasingly important and may be considered during menopause. However, it is important to have a detailed consultation in order to cover all the essential points and find the right treatment for your individual situation.
Facilities like The Body Clinic offer such programs and provide medical support for women to lose weight. The prerequisite is always a detailed discussion with a doctor so that various measures can be sensibly coordinated.
When it makes sense to see a doctor
Minor weight fluctuations of a few kilos are normal during menopause. However, if your weight changes significantly within a short period of time, you should seek medical advice. In this way, possible causes can be identified more specifically and complaints can be better classified. For some women, hormone therapy is also recommended to medically accompany certain changes.
Even if you are losing weight medically and a facility If you are considering this, a consultation with a doctor is essential. Every body reacts differently, especially during menopause. Treatment should therefore always be individually tailored to you. Don’t be afraid to talk openly with your doctor about your concerns and wishes.
