How to keep your cool during menopause

“Weight loss is easy during menopause!” …. said by no person ever experiencing menopause.

As practitioners, it’s our job to discover the handbrakes and then remove them. One of the most frustrated types of women we see are those currently experiencing menopause. It’s a tricky time for women. The weight just jumps on without permission, even when nothing has changed. Unfair, we know. 

The truth is menopause can make weight loss a real struggle. Hormonal changes during this time can lead to a slower metabolism, increase appetite and cravings and even cause changes in the distribution of fat in the body.

But don’t give up hope! With a proper diet, exercise and support, you can still achieve your weight loss goals. But we first need to look at WHY this is all happening. 

During menopause, there are several hormonal changes that can contribute to weight gain. These include:

• Decreased levels of estrogen: As estrogen levels decrease, the body may experience a slowdown in metabolism and an increase in body fat. 
• Increased levels of insulin: As estrogen levels decrease, insulin resistance can increase, leading to higher insulin levels and more fat storage. 
• Changes in cortisol levels: Cortisol is a stress hormone that can also impact weight. During menopause, cortisol levels may increase, leading to increased fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area. 
• Imbalanced levels of thyroid hormones: The thyroid gland regulates metabolism, and during menopause, thyroid hormones can become imbalanced, leading to a slower metabolism and weight gain. 

It’s important to note that these hormonal changes can affect each person differently, and weight gain during menopause is not inevitable for everyone. But, with all that happening in your body, you can see how menopause can wreak havoc on your day-to-day life and impact your ability to lose weight. So, what can you do to keep your cool and make the process a little less disruptive to your body?

If you’re looking for a natural solution to support your weight loss journey, inositol and berberine are natural compounds that have been shown to offer numerous health benefits including supporting weight loss, reducing insulin resistance and improving gut health. How?

Well, inositol and berberine both support weight loss by improving insulin sensitivity. As mentioned above, insulin resistance is a major factor in weight gain as it leads to an increase in blood sugar levels and fat storage.

By improving insulin sensitivity, these natural supplements can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the accumulation of fat in the body.

However, it’s important to ensure you consult a qualified health practitioner before you decide to take any supplements, including natural ones, to ensure they are right for your individual circumstances.

In addition to this, it’s also important to ensure you:

1. Prioritise a healthy diet: Focus on whole foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Limit processed foods, sugary snacks and refined carbohydrates as these can contribute to weight gain.
2. Stay active: Engage in regular physical activity that includes a mix of aerobic exercises (such as walking or swimming). This combination can boost your metabolism, improve muscle tone and aid in weight management.
3. Manage stress: Find healthy ways to reduce stress such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga or engaging in hobbies you enjoy. High stress levels can exacerbate hormonal changes and contribute to weight gain.
4. Seek support: Menopause can be a challenging time physically and emotionally. Connect with friends, join support groups or consider talking to a healthcare professional who specialises in menopause to gain guidance and support. 
5. Ensure adequate sleep: Aim for quality sleep at least seven to eight hours each night. Lack of sleep can disrupt hormone levels, increase appetite and hinder weight loss efforts. 
6. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support overall health and hydration. This can help manage cravings and support a healthy metabolism.

Remember, everyone’s journey through menopause is unique and it’s essential to be patient with yourself. Weight loss may take longer or require different strategies during this time, but with persistence and a holistic approach, it is possible to remove the hand brakes and embrace this new chapter of life.

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.