Menopause is a normal bodily process in which a woman ceases to have a menstrual cycle and is no longer able to bear children. There are a host of changes that take place in the body physically and emotionally during and after menopause. Often times, women tend to gain weight after going through menopause. Excess weight can be detrimental to overall health so it is essential to maintain a healthy weight after menopause.
Cause
There are many causes of weight gain after a woman goes through menopause. The Mayo Clinic states that most weight gain among post-menopausal women is due to aging and lifestyle factors. These factors include exercising less and eating more, which leads to gradual weight gain every year. Another significant cause of weight gain after menopause is an overall change in body composition. As women age, muscle is replaced by fat, which lowers metabolism and leads to weight gain.
Significance
There are many health implications to being overweight throughout life, especially after menopause. In addition to the increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke, being overweight after menopause appears to significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
The Mayo Clinic states that women who put on 20 pounds or more after menopause increase their risk of breast cancer by almost 20 percent. Conversely, breast cancer risk is reduced among women who lose weight after menopause.
Misconceptions
Many women believe weight gain is a natural part of menopause and that it is acceptable. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that some weight gain is normal after menopause. However, it cautions that this can gradually increase to an unhealthy level.
Perhaps the biggest misconception about weight gain after menopause is that it is caused by hormonal changes. According to the Mayo Clinic, changes in hormones are not the primary cause of weight gain after menopause. The weight gain is essentially attributable to poor lifestyle choices, such as lack of exercise and unhealthy eating habits.
Prevention
Post-menopausal weight gain can be prevented with the implementation of a thoroughly designed wellness program. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the most effective way to prevent and maintain a healthy weight after menopause is to combine a healthy diet with regular exercise.
A diet that restricts the amount of calories and fats eaten daily will help limit the amount of future weight gain. Incorporating exercise will help burn excess fat and maintain a healthy body composition.
Medical Treatments
Although hormonal changes have not been shown to be a primary cause of weight gain after menopause, it can lead to weight gain through secondary mechanisms. Hormonal changes during menopause can result in depression and lack of energy. This may lead to altered eating patterns and reduced physical activity.
In some instances, a physician may prescribe medications to help relieve some of the detrimental signs and symptoms of menopause. These medications include anti-depressants, hormones and anti-hypertensives.
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