Perimenopause Weight Gain

Although the stage of life leading up to full menopause is a "rite of passage" for many women, it doesn't mean that all its symptoms and side effects have to be taken lying down. Perimenopause weight gain, for example, is normal, but it doesn't have to be simply "lived with."

Perimenopause weight gain very commonly puts and extra ten to twenty pounds on women during the change of life. This extra weight tends to show up on the hips and in the abdominal area. It is typically attributed to the body's belief it needs to store more fat. This type of perimenopause weight gain arises because the body is out of its current balance and is striving to regain some control. The signals, some hormonal and others put in by the woman herself, that the body reads tend to tell it that fat production is necessary.

In addition to the body's attempts at self-balancing leading to perimenopause weight gain, there are other factors that can come into play. At this time the body's ability to metabolize food quickly might also start to decline, as well. When this occurs, food taken in might not be as likely to be burned up as energy.

Some of the most commonly attributed causes for perimenopause weight gain include insulin resistance and even stress. In the case of insulin resistance and perimenopause weight gain, the body does not metabolize sugar as it should. Inasmuch, calories eaten are quickly turned to fat rather than used up by the metabolism. This isn't necessarily a diabetic condition, but it can still cause problems. Stress, too, can produce similar results, sending the body signals that it must horde energy rather than burn it.

Even when a low-fat diet is included in the mix, perimenopause weight gain can take place thanks to the above two factors. Ways to combat these things are through stress relief techniques and switching from a high-carbohydrate diet to one that is lower in carb count and higher in other sources of nutrition.

Another factor that goes into normal perimenopause weight gain is the loss of estrogen production itself. As the body struggles to strike a new balance, it can turn itself on to the notion that fat storage is an important thing. To fight back against this, a smarter, more balanced diet is likely in store.

Getting a grip on perimenopause weight gain won't necessarily be easy in all cases, but it can be done. There are things women can do to help increase their metabolic rate and also to assist the body in regaining a slightly better balance. Hormone replacement therapy doesn't have to come into play unless it's medically advised. Fad diets and starvation plans are not advised.

The more natural ways to deal with perimenopause weight gain include adopting a healthy diet and increasing aerobic and weight training exercise activity. Fad diets, lots of artificial sweeteners and so on will not typically help with perimenopause weight gain. Real lifestyle changes, however, can.

On the dieting front, perimenopause weight gain tends to respond better to a smart dieting plan. This means eating more fruits and vegetables, less processed flours and grains and trying strike a more healthy balance between caloric intake and nutrition. The more balanced the diet and the better the choices made in regard to food, the more likely weight loss is to occur. Low–carbohydrate diets can help, but fiber must still be included in the mix.

Exercise is often one of the best ways to help tackle perimenopause weight gain issues. Solid aerobic exercise programs that are incorporated into the weekly routine at least five days a week can have a huge impact on perimenopause weight gain. Some strength training, too, can help increase muscle mass and lessen fat storage, as well.

While there is no easy, overnight way to fight off perimenopause weight gain, there are smart choices that can be made. Living with the extra pounds presented by perimenopause weight gain does not have to be the only option. If concerns are high, medical advice might be in order to help combat perimenopause weight gain.