Have you noticed you’ve been putting on weight since menopause arrived? CATH INSLEY writes about the solutions to this “age-old” problem …
We often hear the complaint that women seem to put on weight more readily around the time of their menopause. Why is this and what can be done to manage it?
Rates of metabolism decline in the peri-menopausal years leading to weight gain and a reduction in muscle mass.
As the ovaries begin to fail and become less efficient in producing oestrogen, the fat cells up their production of oestrogen. This leads to fluctuations in weight and fluid retention.
A reduction in testosterone levels which starts in the late 20s means that less calories are used to create lean muscle and that fat production becomes more likely.
At this time fat distribution changes resulting in greater storage around the internal organs and the abdomen. This is directly related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women as their ovaries tune down.
Our western diet is dominated by carbohydrates in the form of bread, pasta, cakes and biscuits. Over time this diet results in insulin resistance where insulin struggles to keep glucose levels under control. As part of insulin resistance, fat cells are created to cope with the excess glucose and fat breakdown is inhibited.
It may seem that we are facing an uphill battle just to maintain healthy weight but adjustments to lifestyle can go a long way to help reverse these problems.
Firstly, the aim is to reduce blood glucose so that insulin can become more effective at fat breakdown and also to avoid glucose being transformed into fat.
This is achieved by adopting a low GI/high protein diet.
Secondly metabolism can be speeded up by daily exercise which maintains healthy muscle mass and reduces the fat-to- muscle ratio.
Occasionally some women may need a drug called metformin which is used for type 2 diabetes. Metformin lowers blood glucose and aids fat breakdown and avoids fat creation.
This treatment is only on prescription after specific blood tests to ascertain its use for an individual. It needs careful management by an accredited dietician and a general practitioner.
It is also worth having a full check up at this stage of life to assess cardiovascular risk and other possible reasons for weight gain.
These can include lethargy secondary to iron deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, depression or thyroid disease.
We can be optimistic about our management of metabolism at this stage of a woman’s life as we understand the complex interrelationships between hormones, metabolism and biochemistry.
This means we can provide support and advice based on scientific knowledge to help women manage their weight and chronic disease risks.
Looking for Menopause Help?
Gynaecare’s clinic is located in Artarmon on Sydney’s north shore. For enquiries call them
(02) 9413 2538 or view their website:
www.gynaecare.com.au
