Why Do We Gain Weight During Menopause

Most weight gain that women experience during and after menopause is the result of aging according to dr.

Why do we gain weight during menopause. One predictor of weight gain may be the age at which menopause occurs. And when you start to lose muscle mass your metabolism may slow along with it. Other factors such as a lack of exercise unhealthy eating and not enough sleep might contribute to menopause weight gain. Extra fat at your waistline raises these risks more.

One of the most common reasons we may start to notice some weight gain especially around the abdomen hips and thighs is hormonal changes thanks to lower estrogen levels another big cause is that our muscle mass tends to decrease with age. High blood pressure heart disease and diabetes to name a few. If your parents or other close relatives carry extra weight around the abdomen you re likely to do the same. Hormonal changes and weight gain may continue to occur as women leave perimenopause and enter menopause.

Many of the risks of weight gain are well known. Menopause doesn t cause you to gain weight but because extra pounds can creep on as women age a spare tire around the middle has often been dubbed the meno pot or meno pudge.