How Menopause Affects Your Weight

Question:

Does menopause impact weight gain?

Answer:

After menopause you begin to store fat in your abdomen rather than in your thighs, butt, and hips — thanks to a drop in a type of estrogen called estradiol. On the bright side, because these abdominal fat cells are smaller, it's easier to lose extra tummy fat! Still, many women do gain weight after menopause. Part of the reason is that during menopause you maintain levels of another type of estrogen, called estrone, which slows your metabolism and encourages fat storage. Many women also lose muscle mass, which further slows metabolism. But don't throw your hands up in despair! You don't have to gain fat after menopause! A simple 15-minute muscle-building routine done five days a week can reverse this muscle loss, and my Fitness Plan can help boost your metabolism permanently!