MENOPAUSE
During menopause, the ovaries reduce their production of the female sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These are the hormones that allow women to become pregnant, but they also affect the skeletal system: when production slows down, weight gain, as well as a shift toward abdominal fat distribution, may occur. This can be due to estrogen’s effect on energy expenditure and appetite regulation.
“Research has found that post-menopausal women have greater central or android fat distribution, as well as greater visceral abdominal adipose tissue compared to pre-menopausal women (Wang et al., 1994 via ACE Fitness).” This is especially concerning, as excess abdominal fat puts you at greater risk for heart disease, liver disease, and diabetes. That said, with regular exercise and a smart diet, a healthy weight can be regulated and maintained throughout menopause.