All women experience menopause, the cessation of regular ovulation, at some point in their lives. For most, it occurs in their fifties, though some women may experience it much earlier. When menopause occurs, the amount of estrogen naturally produced by the body is diminished. This change in hormone levels can lead to a host of symptoms including hot flashes, mood swings and loss of libido.
Once menopause ends, the period known as post menopause ensues. The change in estrogen levels caused by menopause will have altered many things about a woman's body, including her metabolism. As metabolism is slowed down, weight gain post menopause occurs as it becomes harder for a woman to burn off the calories she takes in.
This slowing of the metabolism can lead to a redistribution of weight as well. Most weight gain will shift to the centre of the body, leaving less body fat in other areas. Increased body fat in the abdomen can lead directly to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure as well as other health concerns. For this reason, it is more important than ever for post menopausal women to regulate their weight.
Unfortunately, when it comes to weight gain post menopause, regulating it can be easier said than done. The change in metabolism due to decreased oestrogen means that even a woman eating a healthy amount of calories can gain weight, as it will take her longer to burn those calories off. This may mean that you'll need to decrease the amount of calories you eat to offset a slower metabolism.
The changes to your metabolism may not only require adjustments to your diet, but to your exercise routine as well. Because you have to work harder to burn off calories, that means you may have to exercise more or harder in order to kick-start that sluggish metabolism. You can also add abdominal strengthening exercises to your regular routine to help firm up that flabby mid-section.
You don't have to go to drastic lengths to counter weight gain post menopause, you can take simple steps such as parking farther away from the store, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or even using a bathroom on a different floor so that you have to walk further. All of this can get your body moving on a regular basis and help offset metabolic issues.
The battle for good health in post menopause is an ongoing one, but with the right approach, it is one you can handle successfully. Eating right, exercising and taking care of your health is a good plan at every stage of your life. In post menopause, it can mean the difference between gaining weight and looking and feeling great!
Learn how to overcome weight issues during and after menopause. Janice Bowles, hypnotherapist and health and wellness coach since 1996 takes the guess work out of how to get your body back into shape and feeling fabulous as women approach their 50's and beyond. Be sure to visit Janice Bowles' website at http://www.WeightLossAt50.com for the latest tips and 'tricks' for healthy weight loss, motivation, fitness, health and wellness and much more. While you are there, collect your FREE guide on the 'Top Ten Weight Loss Myths' and Weight Loss Tips At 50 members newsletter - absolutely Free!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janice_M_Bowles
No comments:
Post a Comment