Do you lose the weight gained in the stomach, breasts, and back after menopause?

- Salene

Answer:

Thanks for your question Salene.

The estrogen hormone can have a number of effects on the body, and can have a direct affect on the vagina, vulva, bones, breasts, heart, hair, skin, and central nervous system. As estrogen levels drop as they do during menopause, it can affect the appearance of all these organs.

Some common bodily changes that women may experience during menopause include wrinkling and loosening of the skins elasticity, fat increase in the breasts (changing their shape, size, and fullness), smaller, less erect nipples, and a slowing of the metabolism - which can lead to weight gain.

Not everything can be contributed to menopause however. Some changes in the body are just the result of natural aging. It’s no surprise that as the body ages, the metabolism declines. This means that if you don’t want to gain weight, you either have to increase your exercise or decrease your food intake. And sadly, genetics may also play a role in weight gain- so you can blame your mother for giving you her hips!

The important thing to realize is that whether your weight-gain is attributed to menopause or natural aging (or both), you aren’t stuck with the weight! Instead of waiting to see if the weight will disappear on its own once you’ve finished menopause, why don’t you take control over your body and start doing something about those extra pounds.

Starting a general health plan including regular exercise routines and eating a nutritional, balanced diet will do wonders for your body. If you restrict the amount of high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt foods that you eat, and get regular exercise for least 3-4 times per week there should be no problem losing the weight you gained while going through menopause.

Talk with your doctor. He or she will be able suggest a health plan that is appropriate for your body to ensure healthy weight-loss.