Menopausal Weight Gain
As you get older and move through menopause, you may notice that staying at your usual weight is harder. Even if you’re eating the same foods and exercising the same amount as you usually do, your clothes may start feeling tighter and the number on the scale may start creeping up.
It’s fairly common for women to gain weight during peri-menopause. According to the Mayo Clinic, many women gain about a pound or so a year as they move through their 50s.
What causes weight gain in menopause?
The drop in estrogen that comes with menopause makes it more likely for you to gain weight around your belly, rather than your hips and thighs. But low estrogen levels alone don’t cause weight gain. Aging, lifestyle factors, and genetics all play a role.
Most women lose muscle mass and gain fat as they age. When you lose muscle, your body burns calories more slowly, which can make it harder to stay at a healthy weight. At the same time, most people are less active as they get older. If you continue to eat the way you always have, the combination of a slower metabolism, less muscle mass, and less exercise can make you gain weight.
Risks associated with weight gain
Menopausal weight gain is linked to a higher risk of many health problems, including:
breast cancer and other types of cancer
lymphedema, if you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer
type 2 diabetes
sleep apnea
osteoarthritis
Managing weight gain
Although losing weight can be harder after menopause and breast cancer treatment, there are steps you can take, such as being more active and following a healthy eating plan. Your doctor can help you assess your weight and decide what steps you should take. Learn more about losing weight after breast cancer treatment.
— Last updated on January 30, 2024 at 10:19 PM