What’s the fastest way for women to lose weight when they’re menopausal?
The thing is, trying to slim down during this turbulent period in your life will be quite the quandary due to all the bodily changes that will be happening to you. The wiser move would be to focus on managing your weight so you don’t risk obesity once you reach postmenopause.
First, let’s learn more about the reasons why we have such a hard time losing weight during this stage in life.
Why Do Women Gain Weight During Menopause?
- Hormonal Changes – A woman’s oestrogen levels fluctuate during menopause, so your body will likely store more fat especially around the hips and thighs. It also results in a slower metabolic rate so you don’t burn calories as effectively as you used to.
- Loss of Muscle Mass – Menopause is also linked to muscle mass deterioration. Unfortunately, muscles burn more calories than fat does even at rest. This makes you even less efficient at keeping weight off.
- Lifestyle Factors – Many women also become more sedentary as they grow older. It’s quite natural for this to happen as we don’t have that same level of energy anymore. However, this lack of physical activity causes even more muscle mass loss and fat gain.
How to Keep the Weight Off While Staying Healthy
So how can you manage your weight during this ordeal? Here are some tips to get you started:
Adjust Your Diet
A balanced diet can help you manage menopause’s effects while controlling the calories you consume.
- Eat more high-quality sources of protein to boost your metabolism and preserve your muscle mass.
- Soy products are high in protein, low in calories, and can help reduce your hot flashes and night sweats.
- Sugary snacks may be tempting when you’re having menopausal mood swings, but steer clear of them so you don’t add more unhealthy carbs that make you store more fat.
- Feel free to have more fruits and vegetables! They’re low-calorie, plus you’ll need all the vitamins and minerals you can get.
Mindful Eating Always Helps
Your eating habits can also affect how well you can manage your weight, so try to be more aware of them as well.
- Stay away from your phone or the television during meals. You could end up overeating when you’re distracted by them.
- Portion control always helps — try using smaller plates to trick your brain that you’re eating more.
- Learn to self-reflect when you get the urge to eat. Is it because you’re stressed or irritated, or is it true hunger?
Aim to Exercise When You Can
Sure, you may not have as much energy as you used to, but it’s still important to engage in some physical activity throughout the week. It’ll help maintain your muscles and burn more calories so you can keep your figure for longer.
Try to Sleep Regular Hours
Poor sleep patterns are quite common when you’re going through menopause. But do try to get as much sleep as you can. Rest is important for regulating your mood and curbing the hormones that increase your appetite.
When to Get an Expert’s Help to Manage Your Weight
If you still find yourself gaining more weight despite all the tips above, don’t be ashamed to contact a weight loss programme for help. The best ones have experts who can help you plan meals that take your condition into consideration consider your condition. They’ll also support you when you don’t feel motivated enough and teach you how to manage your stress so you can better resist the temptation of emotional eating.
Take the Reins Of Your Menopausal Health
Instead of trying to figure out the fastest way for a woman to lose weight, it’s wiser to plan how you can manage it and the other unpredictable effects that menopause brings.
If you need help with your weight problems during such a trying time in your life, don’t worry about it! Just remember that there are professionals who can guide you on the path to a healthier and less stressful experience.