“Menopause belly” refers to an extra collection of fat along the tummy area that most women are faced with later in life. It is a perfectly normal part of aging that is not directly a result of poor diet or a lack of exercise. Still, some women feel shame about this area. So, what does science say can be done about it?
Well, all weight loss follows essentially the same formula. The Mayo Clinic describes four factors:
- Calories taken in each day.
- Calories burned off each day.
- Age.
- Genetics.
Healthline points out that diet and exercise are the most important factors, writing “high fat, sugar, and salt consumption are linked to excess weight gain during menopause. However, they also mention stress as a key factor, writing this very important note for those looking to lose weight:
“The first part of reducing stress is letting go of the idea of what your body is “supposed” to look like. Stressing out over your postmenopausal body is not helpful for losing weight in a healthy way if weight loss is your goal.”
Sources:
Menopause Belly: Causes, Solutions, and Prevention Tips (healthline.com)
Belly fat in women: Taking — and keeping — it off – Mayo Clinic
