Despite what you may have heard from justifiably frustrated women approaching menopause, it is possible to prevent weight gain during perimenopause. Though most women do find that it’s easier for the pounds to climb on as they age, during this particular time, there are achievable steps that can be taken to stop this from happening to you.
You Can Prevent Weight Gain During Perimenopause
The thought of having to prevent weight gain during perimenopause can feel discouraging. This is particularly true if you haven’t had too much of a struggle with controlling the number on your bathroom scale until now. However, it’s important for you to know that even if you’re told that your metabolic rate is slowing down. It’s not. At least, not yet and not because of your age. According to a highly reputable study in the Science journal, that won’t usually happen until you are closer to 60 years old. This is good news. It means you have time to take advantage of a faster metabolism by making the right healthy lifestyle changes.
If you feel you’re the exception to this rule, it’s likely because your lifestyle isn’t as active as it was when you were in your twenties. That naturally helped you to burn through more calories, making it seem like it was your great metabolism that has faded. Fortunately, you still have a very similar rate and can use that to prevent weight gain during perimenopause.
Why Are You More Likely to Gain at This Time?
If it’s not your metabolism, what’s going on that makes it so much easier to gain? While hormonal changes can play a role in shifting where body fat is stored – you might find that it’s around your middle and hips even if you’ve always been slimmer in those areas until now – they aren’t the only factor. Genetic factors and lifestyle are typically the top culprits.
We can’t do anything about our genetics, but we can use our lifestyles to prevent weight gain during perimenopause. Even if you’ve been following healthful habits, focusing specifically on areas that will stop the buildup of unwanted fat before it happens can help you to make sure your clothing continues to fit as it always has.
Physical Activity Plays an Important Role in Preventing Weight Gain During Perimenopause
As is the case with all other times in your life, the foods you eat will play a vital role in your weight control. That said, many women find that even when they feel they’re eating healthfully, they still aren’t keeping off unwanted pounds. Upping activity level could make all the difference.
According to the Mayo Clinic, regular fitness-appropriate physical activity will not only help you to prevent weight gain during perimenopause, but it will also help to establish habits that will benefit in a spectrum of areas including heart health and osteoporosis prevention. Consider starting a daily brisk walk, while adding some basic strength training and some yoga, for instance. Choose something you’ll enjoy and will be likely to keep up over time.
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