Despite what many women think, Menopause and the fluctuations in estrogen are NOT the drivers of weight gain, and less estrogen doesn’t mean more weight.

The fat and weight gain accumulated during this phase is more likely due to ageing and moving less, with eating habits remaining the same. With less activity, there is a decrease in energy expenditure, and the potential for fat gain can increase.

You eat the same but move less, resulting in a calorie surplus.

But why do some women gain weight, and why is it so prominent around the tummy?

The second issue you may face (after moving less and eating the same) is insulin resistance. Menopause puts you at risk of insulin resistance.

As progesterone and estrogen drop off, testosterone (androgens) stay consistent and even slightly elevated, which drives insulin resistance.

Androgen excess promotes abdominal weight gain and can also increase the risk of breast cancer*. 

Insulin resistance is a condition of chronically elevated insulin levels, the hormone that stimulates your cells to take up glucose. The hormone insulin itself isn't the issue, we need it, and it has some amazing qualities like turning food into energy, promoting muscle growth and maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle.

The problem comes when the cells stop responding to insulin resulting in the pancreas making more insulin to help glucose enter your cells; over time, your blood sugar levels go up. If this goes untreated can eventuate into type 2 diabetes.

Too much insulin can also impair your ovulation and stimulate your ovaries to make testosterone, which is why insulin resistance is a big driver for PCOS.

What can you do to combat this?

Well, the good news is you have control over this, and you aren't doomed to be walking around looking like a sack of spuds.

Head to my blog, "Beat Menopausal weight gain with these 5 tips". HERE

* Hyperandrogenism Accompanies Increased Intra-Abdominal Fat Storage in Normal Weight Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Women