Weight gain and menopause

THE DISTURBED PHYSIOLOGICAL EQUILIBRIUM

From the peri-menopause (or pre-menopause), the progressive decrease of ovarian secretions generates a decrease in the basic metabolism responsible for caloric retention.

This decrease in resting thermogenesis is also accompanied by a decrease in muscle mass, which further disrupts the basic energy expenditure: muscles being important consumers of energy in the body, melting of muscle mass Has an impact on it.

To these two phenomena are added other factors also responsible for weight gain such as:

• The reduction of physical activity, involving a decrease in energy expenditure,
• The change of eating habits,
• The poor circulation, responsible for water retention,
• A decrease in morale usually associated with compulsions towards fatty and sugary foods.
• Along with this propensity to gain weight, the body also undergoes a redistribution of fat mass and lean mass: the fat mass tends to concentrate in the abdomen.

SOLUTIONS TO LIMIT THE EFFECTS

If the physiological balance is upset at menopause, simple solutions can significantly limit weight gain and silhouette changes:

Adopt a varied diet

Adopting a varied and adapted diet can control weight and preserve "healthy" capital. For this, it is necessary to limit the consumption of salt, saturated fats, alcohol and simple sugars, and to favor the consumption of:

• Fibers (fruits and vegetables): fibers play an important role in the nutritional balance and have a beneficial role in the regulation of intestinal transit.
• Proteins (meat, fish, egg, and seafood, dairy ...): they maintain muscle mass.
• Complex carbohydrates (wholegrain bread, cereals, legumes ...): they offer good satiety, thus limiting snacking.

Practicing regular physical activity

This increases energy expenditure, preserves muscle mass, tones the muscles and refines the figure.

Maintaining a social life

Enjoy life in order to maintain a good psychological balance, itself acting on the physiological balance.

Source: Lescuyer Laboratory