Talking About OBGYN Procedures

Posted on: 18 April 2016

If you're approaching menopause, you know that your body is going to undergo a lot of changes. Some of those changes include hormone fluctuations, hot flashes and mood swings. Unfortunately, another change may include your weight. As you approach menopause, your metabolism changes. Not only that but you might also become less active, which can also affect your weight. One of the problems with weight gain during menopause is that most of your added weight will gather right around your midsection. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to keep that menopausal weight gain under control.

Increase Your Exercise Routine

One of the problems with menopause is that it often corresponds with a decrease in your daily activity. For instance, your children might be grown, which means you no longer stay active chasing little ones around the house. That decrease in activity can cause an increase in your weight. You can combat that by adding exercise to your daily routine.

Go for a brisk walk twice a day, or join a gym. If you don't have enough time to participate in a full exercise routine each day, try jogging in place several times a day. The added physical activity will boost your metabolism and keep the extra pounds away.

Sit Down with a Nutritionist

Menopause can change your entire body, including the way you metabolize food. Unfortunately, that can mean that foods you were once able to eat will now add weight to your midsection. During menopause, it's important that you take into consideration the changes that your body is going through. To make sure you're eating the proper foods, you should sit down with a nutritionist. Your nutritionist will be able to take your particular needs into consideration and help you develop a nutritional guide suited just for you.

Add Fiber to Your Diet

If you aren't adding natural, plant-based fiber to your diet already, you need to start. Fiber can help you keep weight off in a couple of ways. First, natural fiber helps fill you up faster, which means you won't need to eat as much to be fully satisfied. Second, fiber helps you maintain regularity, which means you'll digest your food better – and push that waste through instead of holding on to it in your intestinal tract. Because your body can have a difficult time digesting food during menopause, the added fiber will help you stay regular. 

Now that you're facing menopause, you need to make sure you avoid the dreaded menopausal weight gain. Use the tips provided here to help you keep your weight under control. If you have other questions and concerns about menopause or menopause treatment options, be sure to speak to your health care provider.