Menopause makes you fat - now you tell me!

Even though women around the world have known for ages that menopause makes them gain weight, this fact has been acknowledged only recently. Namely, animal tests were performed on female rats, which had their ovaries removed, and, through these, it was proven that low estrogen levels can lead to serious and quick gain of weight.

Science on Menopause

During the above mentioned test on female rats, scientists also discovered that, once these animals were given estrogen replacement therapy, their weight gain ceased. Also, those rats who were initially given this therapy never gained weight in the first place.

Another test revealed that there is more to this phenomenon than mere estrogen. Menopausal rats produced a specific hormone from the fat cells in their body. This hormone is named leptin. Once you have high levels of leptin, you are likely to have increased levels of body fat.

Thus, since this whole process of weight gain depends on numerous estrogen activities which stimulate the part of our brain in charge of food intake, fat distribution and energy expenditure, estrogen supplements are bound to reduce a woman's proneness to gaining weight during menopause.

Nevertheless, since this is still a theory in need of additional testing, numerous women decide to go through their menopausal weight gain, fearing the side effects of estrogen replacement therapy.

The Dangers of Menopausal Weight Gain

Although many women decide to go through their menopause naturally, facing weight gain and living with it, this can be dangerous in the long run.

Basically, regardless of the fact that you need to suffer from the side effects of the very menopause, meaning an abundance of hot flashes, night sweats and sleeping disorders, weight gain can also contribute to potential development of many health issues in the post-menopausal period. High blood pressure, insulin resistance and high blood lipid levels are just some of the possible dangers of this weight gain, in the long run.

All in all, knowing that weight gain may be inevitable during and after your menopause, seek medical attention beforehand and seek adequate advice. Additionally, exercise and be careful about what you eat, choosing only healthy, light and natural food. Your lifestyle can make you maintain your desired weight easily. Implement regular exercising, lead an active life, drink plenty of water and eat the right food. Once you manage to take care of these aspects, you are likely never to have problems with your menopausal body weight, or any of the side effects of this phenomenon.