The science behind fat storage<\/h2>\n\n- Oestrogen Drop = Belly Fat:<\/strong> According to the Mayo Clinic<\/a>, as oestrogen declines, fat tends to move from hips and thighs toward the belly area. This is tied to changes in metabolism and increases health risks.\u200b<\/li>\n
- More Androgen (Testosterone) Influence:<\/strong> Lower oestrogen can mean relatively more testosterone, which triggers redistribution of fat to the abdomen., according to some clinical research.<\/a><\/li>\n
- Shift in Appetite Hormones:<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0Leptin (which suppresses hunger) drops, and ghrelin (which stimulates hunger) can increase, especially when sleep is disrupted\u2014making snacking more tempting and fat harder to lose.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Metabolism slowdown<\/h2>\n\n- Muscle Loss:<\/strong>\u00a0Women lose muscle naturally with age, making metabolism less efficient. Less muscle means fewer calories burned at rest, so keeping the same habits often means gradual weight gain.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Reduced Activity:<\/strong> Joint pain, fatigue, or chronic pain (like from Hypermobility) make regular exercise harder, so calorie burn drops too.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Why menopause triggers insulin resistance<\/h2>\n
Insulin is vital for regulating blood sugar, but shifting hormones in menopause can cause your cells to become less responsive to it\u2014making it much easier to gain weight and harder to lose it. This is especially true if you already have insulin resistance or metabolic issues.\u200b<\/p>\n
\n- Belly fat isn\u2019t just stubborn\u2014it actively worsens insulin resistance by releasing fatty acids and inflammatory chemicals.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Night sweats, insomnia and stress can spike cortisol, making the body store more fat, especially in the abdomen.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Hypothyroidism<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re dealing with hypothyroidism like me, your metabolic rate plummets, adding another layer to the weight gain puzzle. Low thyroid hormone means lower calorie burn, more fatigue, and even more difficulty losing weight despite efforts and a healthy lifestyle.\u200b<\/p>\n
Hypermobility<\/h2>\n
Not all women can exercise in the traditional sense. Hypermobility<\/a> means unstable or painful joints\u2014and for many people like me,\u00a0 high-impact or gym workouts simply aren\u2019t safe or possible.\u200b<\/p>\n\n- Gentle on the joints and great for overall fitness, swimming is often the go-to exercise for many hypermobile women. The reality, though, is that even regular swimming doesn\u2019t always result in weight loss\u2014especially when other invisible barriers like hormones or metabolic conditions are involved. For example, I swim two or three times a week for an hour each session, and I still cannot lose weight. It\u2019s so frustrating!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Science-based reasons for menopause weight gain<\/h2>\n
Below are the main factors preventing mature women from losing weight\u2014no matter how hard you try:<\/p>\n
\n- Oestrogen decreases during menopause, shifting fat storage from hips\/thighs to the abdomen\u2014often causing new or persistent belly fat.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Lower oestrogen slows metabolism, making it tough to burn calories and easier to put on pounds.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Menopausal hormone changes drive insulin resistance, leading to weight gain even without diet changes.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Abdominal fat itself fuels more insulin resistance and further weight gain (vicious circle).\u200b<\/li>\n
- Thyroid issues (hypothyroidism) slow metabolism and cause unexplained weight gain or inability to lose weight\u2014common in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Loss of muscle mass with age reduces calorie burn, even if diet and exercise habits stay the same.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Decreased physical activity, whether from chronic pain, fatigue, or hypermobility, reduces calories burned and increases the difficulty of maintaining weight.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Disrupted sleep and elevated stress hormones (like cortisol) worsen insulin resistance and encourage fat storage.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Some women are genetically more prone to weight gain during menopause, regardless of lifestyle.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"Menopause](\"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/lettuce-scaled-e1765229992636.jpg\")
<\/h2>\nWhat can you do?<\/h2>\n
Scientific research offers practical, attainable tools for mature women:<\/p>\n
\n- Prioritise protein:<\/strong> Protein can help maintain muscle, boost metabolism, and keep hunger in check\u2014even if weight loss is slow.\u200b Recently, I started paying close attention to how much protein I get every day. It’s not easy to reach the amount I need\u2014my requirement is higher than for other women because of muscle atrophy. But tracking it has made me far more aware of everything I eat, as every bite really does count!<\/li>\n
- Embrace low-impact exercise:<\/strong> Swimming, gentle water aerobics, resistance band work within your comfort range, yoga or pilates are all supportive options.\u200b As I mentioned before, I swim regularly, and I have to admit that some days\u2014especially now that winter is starting\u2014it\u2019s not easy to find the motivation to go. But once I\u2019m in the water, listening to my favourite songs on my headphones, I\u2019m always glad I made it. The feeling I get afterwards makes me feel like I can conquer the world. It\u2019s worth it!<\/li>\n
- Sleep hygiene:<\/strong> Creating a sleep routine<\/a>, getting morning light, and managing night sweats can support metabolic health and hormone balance.\u200b For me, a cool bedroom works wonders. I can\u2019t sleep well if the room is too warm, so I make sure the heating in my bedroom is turned down low during the night.<\/li>\n
- Stress management:<\/strong> Mindfulness, deep breathing, or gentle activity can help maintain healthy cortisol levels.\u200b I\u2019m not someone who meditates\u2014actually, it makes me feel more agitated! Instead, I do puzzles. It\u2019s my own version of mindfulness: just picture it\u2014your favourite music playing, a cozy room, a glass of wine (or a cup of tea or water), a beautiful puzzle, and voil\u00e0\u2026 pure magic. I know that, just like meditation, puzzles aren\u2019t for everyone. But if you love solving them, give it a try!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Monitor your health:<\/strong> Get your thyroid, insulin, and blood sugar checked regularly, and talk to a good doctor to find out what\u2019s right for you. I see my endocrinologist once a year and always have a scan since I have some lumps on my neck. It\u2019s always good to keep an eye on things!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0Reminders<\/h2>\n\n- Don\u2019t compare your weight loss journey to others\u2014each woman\u2019s hormones, health history, and joint health are unique. It’s difficult, I know. I keep seeing slimmer women and asking why it’s so difficult for me to lose weight…<\/li>\n
- Move however you can\u2014choose an activity that works for you, whether it’s swimming, going to the gym, Nordic walking, or something else. The important thing is to enjoy it for both fitness and mental well-being, even if the scale doesn\u2019t change right away.<\/li>\n
- If your exercise routine changes, try to adjust your nutrition to match what your body needs each day.<\/li>\n
- You are not alone\u2014and you\u2019re not at fault. Understanding your body is the first step to comfort and confidence after 45.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Have you had a similar experience with menopause weight gain or do you have tips to share? Please leave a comment below\u2014your story might help someone else feel understood and supported.<\/p>\n
Disclaimer:\u00a0This article is for general information and support only. It does not replace personalised advice, diagnosis or treatment from your GP, endocrinologist, menopause specialist or any other qualified health professional. Never ignore or delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read on Silverlocks.<\/em><\/p>\nReferences<\/h2>\n\n- Mayo Clinic – The reality of menopause weight gain<\/a><\/li>\n
- Oxford Academic – Menopause hormone replacement therapy<\/a><\/li>\n
- Winona – The connection between the menopause and the thyroid<\/a><\/li>\n
- The National Library – Obesity in menopause<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Read more on Silverlocks<\/h2>\n\n- Perimenopause x Menopause: what is the difference?\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- Why do I feel young but my knees hurt?\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- Menopause and mental health: how to calm anxiety and lift your mood naturally<\/a><\/li>\n
- Menopause and hypermobility: managing joint pain<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Menopause weight gain is not your fault. Discover how hormones and menopause team up to change your body shape\u2014and what actually helps women over 45 feel better in their skin.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":404,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-259","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-menopause","format-article"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=259"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":403,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259\/revisions\/403"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/404"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=259"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=259"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Metabolism slowdown<\/h2>\n\n- Muscle Loss:<\/strong>\u00a0Women lose muscle naturally with age, making metabolism less efficient. Less muscle means fewer calories burned at rest, so keeping the same habits often means gradual weight gain.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Reduced Activity:<\/strong> Joint pain, fatigue, or chronic pain (like from Hypermobility) make regular exercise harder, so calorie burn drops too.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Why menopause triggers insulin resistance<\/h2>\n
Insulin is vital for regulating blood sugar, but shifting hormones in menopause can cause your cells to become less responsive to it\u2014making it much easier to gain weight and harder to lose it. This is especially true if you already have insulin resistance or metabolic issues.\u200b<\/p>\n
\n- Belly fat isn\u2019t just stubborn\u2014it actively worsens insulin resistance by releasing fatty acids and inflammatory chemicals.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Night sweats, insomnia and stress can spike cortisol, making the body store more fat, especially in the abdomen.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Hypothyroidism<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re dealing with hypothyroidism like me, your metabolic rate plummets, adding another layer to the weight gain puzzle. Low thyroid hormone means lower calorie burn, more fatigue, and even more difficulty losing weight despite efforts and a healthy lifestyle.\u200b<\/p>\n
Hypermobility<\/h2>\n
Not all women can exercise in the traditional sense. Hypermobility<\/a> means unstable or painful joints\u2014and for many people like me,\u00a0 high-impact or gym workouts simply aren\u2019t safe or possible.\u200b<\/p>\n\n- Gentle on the joints and great for overall fitness, swimming is often the go-to exercise for many hypermobile women. The reality, though, is that even regular swimming doesn\u2019t always result in weight loss\u2014especially when other invisible barriers like hormones or metabolic conditions are involved. For example, I swim two or three times a week for an hour each session, and I still cannot lose weight. It\u2019s so frustrating!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Science-based reasons for menopause weight gain<\/h2>\n
Below are the main factors preventing mature women from losing weight\u2014no matter how hard you try:<\/p>\n
\n- Oestrogen decreases during menopause, shifting fat storage from hips\/thighs to the abdomen\u2014often causing new or persistent belly fat.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Lower oestrogen slows metabolism, making it tough to burn calories and easier to put on pounds.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Menopausal hormone changes drive insulin resistance, leading to weight gain even without diet changes.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Abdominal fat itself fuels more insulin resistance and further weight gain (vicious circle).\u200b<\/li>\n
- Thyroid issues (hypothyroidism) slow metabolism and cause unexplained weight gain or inability to lose weight\u2014common in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Loss of muscle mass with age reduces calorie burn, even if diet and exercise habits stay the same.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Decreased physical activity, whether from chronic pain, fatigue, or hypermobility, reduces calories burned and increases the difficulty of maintaining weight.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Disrupted sleep and elevated stress hormones (like cortisol) worsen insulin resistance and encourage fat storage.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Some women are genetically more prone to weight gain during menopause, regardless of lifestyle.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nWhat can you do?<\/h2>\n
Scientific research offers practical, attainable tools for mature women:<\/p>\n
\n- Prioritise protein:<\/strong> Protein can help maintain muscle, boost metabolism, and keep hunger in check\u2014even if weight loss is slow.\u200b Recently, I started paying close attention to how much protein I get every day. It’s not easy to reach the amount I need\u2014my requirement is higher than for other women because of muscle atrophy. But tracking it has made me far more aware of everything I eat, as every bite really does count!<\/li>\n
- Embrace low-impact exercise:<\/strong> Swimming, gentle water aerobics, resistance band work within your comfort range, yoga or pilates are all supportive options.\u200b As I mentioned before, I swim regularly, and I have to admit that some days\u2014especially now that winter is starting\u2014it\u2019s not easy to find the motivation to go. But once I\u2019m in the water, listening to my favourite songs on my headphones, I\u2019m always glad I made it. The feeling I get afterwards makes me feel like I can conquer the world. It\u2019s worth it!<\/li>\n
- Sleep hygiene:<\/strong> Creating a sleep routine<\/a>, getting morning light, and managing night sweats can support metabolic health and hormone balance.\u200b For me, a cool bedroom works wonders. I can\u2019t sleep well if the room is too warm, so I make sure the heating in my bedroom is turned down low during the night.<\/li>\n
- Stress management:<\/strong> Mindfulness, deep breathing, or gentle activity can help maintain healthy cortisol levels.\u200b I\u2019m not someone who meditates\u2014actually, it makes me feel more agitated! Instead, I do puzzles. It\u2019s my own version of mindfulness: just picture it\u2014your favourite music playing, a cozy room, a glass of wine (or a cup of tea or water), a beautiful puzzle, and voil\u00e0\u2026 pure magic. I know that, just like meditation, puzzles aren\u2019t for everyone. But if you love solving them, give it a try!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n- Monitor your health:<\/strong> Get your thyroid, insulin, and blood sugar checked regularly, and talk to a good doctor to find out what\u2019s right for you. I see my endocrinologist once a year and always have a scan since I have some lumps on my neck. It\u2019s always good to keep an eye on things!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0Reminders<\/h2>\n\n- Don\u2019t compare your weight loss journey to others\u2014each woman\u2019s hormones, health history, and joint health are unique. It’s difficult, I know. I keep seeing slimmer women and asking why it’s so difficult for me to lose weight…<\/li>\n
- Move however you can\u2014choose an activity that works for you, whether it’s swimming, going to the gym, Nordic walking, or something else. The important thing is to enjoy it for both fitness and mental well-being, even if the scale doesn\u2019t change right away.<\/li>\n
- If your exercise routine changes, try to adjust your nutrition to match what your body needs each day.<\/li>\n
- You are not alone\u2014and you\u2019re not at fault. Understanding your body is the first step to comfort and confidence after 45.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Have you had a similar experience with menopause weight gain or do you have tips to share? Please leave a comment below\u2014your story might help someone else feel understood and supported.<\/p>\n
Disclaimer:\u00a0This article is for general information and support only. It does not replace personalised advice, diagnosis or treatment from your GP, endocrinologist, menopause specialist or any other qualified health professional. Never ignore or delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read on Silverlocks.<\/em><\/p>\nReferences<\/h2>\n\n- Mayo Clinic – The reality of menopause weight gain<\/a><\/li>\n
- Oxford Academic – Menopause hormone replacement therapy<\/a><\/li>\n
- Winona – The connection between the menopause and the thyroid<\/a><\/li>\n
- The National Library – Obesity in menopause<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Read more on Silverlocks<\/h2>\n\n- Perimenopause x Menopause: what is the difference?\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- Why do I feel young but my knees hurt?\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- Menopause and mental health: how to calm anxiety and lift your mood naturally<\/a><\/li>\n
- Menopause and hypermobility: managing joint pain<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Menopause weight gain is not your fault. Discover how hormones and menopause team up to change your body shape\u2014and what actually helps women over 45 feel better in their skin.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":404,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-259","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-menopause","format-article"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=259"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":403,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259\/revisions\/403"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/404"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=259"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=259"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Why menopause triggers insulin resistance<\/h2>\n
Insulin is vital for regulating blood sugar, but shifting hormones in menopause can cause your cells to become less responsive to it\u2014making it much easier to gain weight and harder to lose it. This is especially true if you already have insulin resistance or metabolic issues.\u200b<\/p>\n
- \n
- Belly fat isn\u2019t just stubborn\u2014it actively worsens insulin resistance by releasing fatty acids and inflammatory chemicals.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Night sweats, insomnia and stress can spike cortisol, making the body store more fat, especially in the abdomen.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Hypothyroidism<\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re dealing with hypothyroidism like me, your metabolic rate plummets, adding another layer to the weight gain puzzle. Low thyroid hormone means lower calorie burn, more fatigue, and even more difficulty losing weight despite efforts and a healthy lifestyle.\u200b<\/p>\n
Hypermobility<\/h2>\n
Not all women can exercise in the traditional sense. Hypermobility<\/a> means unstable or painful joints\u2014and for many people like me,\u00a0 high-impact or gym workouts simply aren\u2019t safe or possible.\u200b<\/p>\n
- \n
- Gentle on the joints and great for overall fitness, swimming is often the go-to exercise for many hypermobile women. The reality, though, is that even regular swimming doesn\u2019t always result in weight loss\u2014especially when other invisible barriers like hormones or metabolic conditions are involved. For example, I swim two or three times a week for an hour each session, and I still cannot lose weight. It\u2019s so frustrating!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Science-based reasons for menopause weight gain<\/h2>\n
Below are the main factors preventing mature women from losing weight\u2014no matter how hard you try:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Oestrogen decreases during menopause, shifting fat storage from hips\/thighs to the abdomen\u2014often causing new or persistent belly fat.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Lower oestrogen slows metabolism, making it tough to burn calories and easier to put on pounds.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Menopausal hormone changes drive insulin resistance, leading to weight gain even without diet changes.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Abdominal fat itself fuels more insulin resistance and further weight gain (vicious circle).\u200b<\/li>\n
- Thyroid issues (hypothyroidism) slow metabolism and cause unexplained weight gain or inability to lose weight\u2014common in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Loss of muscle mass with age reduces calorie burn, even if diet and exercise habits stay the same.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Decreased physical activity, whether from chronic pain, fatigue, or hypermobility, reduces calories burned and increases the difficulty of maintaining weight.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Disrupted sleep and elevated stress hormones (like cortisol) worsen insulin resistance and encourage fat storage.\u200b<\/li>\n
- Some women are genetically more prone to weight gain during menopause, regardless of lifestyle.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nWhat can you do?<\/h2>\n
Scientific research offers practical, attainable tools for mature women:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Prioritise protein:<\/strong> Protein can help maintain muscle, boost metabolism, and keep hunger in check\u2014even if weight loss is slow.\u200b Recently, I started paying close attention to how much protein I get every day. It’s not easy to reach the amount I need\u2014my requirement is higher than for other women because of muscle atrophy. But tracking it has made me far more aware of everything I eat, as every bite really does count!<\/li>\n
- Embrace low-impact exercise:<\/strong> Swimming, gentle water aerobics, resistance band work within your comfort range, yoga or pilates are all supportive options.\u200b As I mentioned before, I swim regularly, and I have to admit that some days\u2014especially now that winter is starting\u2014it\u2019s not easy to find the motivation to go. But once I\u2019m in the water, listening to my favourite songs on my headphones, I\u2019m always glad I made it. The feeling I get afterwards makes me feel like I can conquer the world. It\u2019s worth it!<\/li>\n
- Sleep hygiene:<\/strong> Creating a sleep routine<\/a>, getting morning light, and managing night sweats can support metabolic health and hormone balance.\u200b For me, a cool bedroom works wonders. I can\u2019t sleep well if the room is too warm, so I make sure the heating in my bedroom is turned down low during the night.<\/li>\n
- Stress management:<\/strong> Mindfulness, deep breathing, or gentle activity can help maintain healthy cortisol levels.\u200b I\u2019m not someone who meditates\u2014actually, it makes me feel more agitated! Instead, I do puzzles. It\u2019s my own version of mindfulness: just picture it\u2014your favourite music playing, a cozy room, a glass of wine (or a cup of tea or water), a beautiful puzzle, and voil\u00e0\u2026 pure magic. I know that, just like meditation, puzzles aren\u2019t for everyone. But if you love solving them, give it a try!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- \n
- Monitor your health:<\/strong> Get your thyroid, insulin, and blood sugar checked regularly, and talk to a good doctor to find out what\u2019s right for you. I see my endocrinologist once a year and always have a scan since I have some lumps on my neck. It\u2019s always good to keep an eye on things!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0Reminders<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Don\u2019t compare your weight loss journey to others\u2014each woman\u2019s hormones, health history, and joint health are unique. It’s difficult, I know. I keep seeing slimmer women and asking why it’s so difficult for me to lose weight…<\/li>\n
- Move however you can\u2014choose an activity that works for you, whether it’s swimming, going to the gym, Nordic walking, or something else. The important thing is to enjoy it for both fitness and mental well-being, even if the scale doesn\u2019t change right away.<\/li>\n
- If your exercise routine changes, try to adjust your nutrition to match what your body needs each day.<\/li>\n
- You are not alone\u2014and you\u2019re not at fault. Understanding your body is the first step to comfort and confidence after 45.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Have you had a similar experience with menopause weight gain or do you have tips to share? Please leave a comment below\u2014your story might help someone else feel understood and supported.<\/p>\n
Disclaimer:\u00a0This article is for general information and support only. It does not replace personalised advice, diagnosis or treatment from your GP, endocrinologist, menopause specialist or any other qualified health professional. Never ignore or delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read on Silverlocks.<\/em><\/p>\n
References<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Mayo Clinic – The reality of menopause weight gain<\/a><\/li>\n
- Oxford Academic – Menopause hormone replacement therapy<\/a><\/li>\n
- Winona – The connection between the menopause and the thyroid<\/a><\/li>\n
- The National Library – Obesity in menopause<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Read more on Silverlocks<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Perimenopause x Menopause: what is the difference?\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- Why do I feel young but my knees hurt?\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- Menopause and mental health: how to calm anxiety and lift your mood naturally<\/a><\/li>\n
- Menopause and hypermobility: managing joint pain<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Menopause weight gain is not your fault. Discover how hormones and menopause team up to change your body shape\u2014and what actually helps women over 45 feel better in their skin.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":404,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-259","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-menopause","format-article"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=259"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":403,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/259\/revisions\/403"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/404"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=259"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=259"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.silverlocks.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=259"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- Why do I feel young but my knees hurt?\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n
- Oxford Academic – Menopause hormone replacement therapy<\/a><\/li>\n
- Mayo Clinic – The reality of menopause weight gain<\/a><\/li>\n
- Embrace low-impact exercise:<\/strong> Swimming, gentle water aerobics, resistance band work within your comfort range, yoga or pilates are all supportive options.\u200b As I mentioned before, I swim regularly, and I have to admit that some days\u2014especially now that winter is starting\u2014it\u2019s not easy to find the motivation to go. But once I\u2019m in the water, listening to my favourite songs on my headphones, I\u2019m always glad I made it. The feeling I get afterwards makes me feel like I can conquer the world. It\u2019s worth it!<\/li>\n
- Prioritise protein:<\/strong> Protein can help maintain muscle, boost metabolism, and keep hunger in check\u2014even if weight loss is slow.\u200b Recently, I started paying close attention to how much protein I get every day. It’s not easy to reach the amount I need\u2014my requirement is higher than for other women because of muscle atrophy. But tracking it has made me far more aware of everything I eat, as every bite really does count!<\/li>\n
- Gentle on the joints and great for overall fitness, swimming is often the go-to exercise for many hypermobile women. The reality, though, is that even regular swimming doesn\u2019t always result in weight loss\u2014especially when other invisible barriers like hormones or metabolic conditions are involved. For example, I swim two or three times a week for an hour each session, and I still cannot lose weight. It\u2019s so frustrating!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n