Weight Loss and Menopause Research Note
By Reader's Digest Editors
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Stubborn pounds at midlife aren’t a myth. Research shows that as women approach menopause, weight gain accelerates—and weight loss becomes more challenging. At work are three powerful forces. First, women lose 10 to 15% of muscle mass between the ages of 20 and 50, more after estrogen levels drop. That leads to a slower metabolism—your body burns fewer calories each day. Second, hormone shifts in perimenopause and menopause direct your body to store more fat at your midsection. Third, you may be getting less everyday activity than ever before thanks to labor-saving devices and 500-channel cable TV. The good news: You can still lose weight at menopause.
Fast Facts:- A low-carbohydrate diet packed with produce, whole grains and good fats—fish, nuts, olive oil—can help midlife women lose 21% more weight than a low-fat diet.
- Move more. Just 90 minutes of brisk exercise a week—such as three 30-minute walks—can blast midlife belly fat better than dieting alone.
- Eat slowly to tame food cravings. Taking at least 30 minutes to finish a meal or snack boosts levels of appetite-lowering proteins in your bloodstream by 25%.
- Turn off the TV. People who cut their TV time in half in one study automatically burned an extra 840 calories a week, just by doing other activities.
- Burn 15% more calories every day. In one study of menopausal women, strength-training built muscle mass and boosted metabolism significantly.
Symptoms of Menopause Can Be Relieved by Weight Loss
healthnews.com — “Just like death and taxes one sure thing in a woman s life is menopause Typically occurring in their late 40s and early 50s women can experience a whole” View full resource at healthnews.com
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