You Don’t Have to Gain Perimenopause Weight

Most females begin perimenopause during their early forties. Some may even start this stage of life as early as their thirties. Then there are some women who don’t start until their fifties. Perimenopause is the four to five years before menopause officially begins, and changing and fluctuation hormones during this time can cause weight gain, especially around the stomach area.

Besides weight gain, women can also gain additional water weight. This gain is because changing hormone levels make women susceptible to water retention. Sometimes, women can gain as much as five pounds just in water weight. In addition, the stress from fluctuating hormones can cause women to secrete more cortisol, and higher cortisol levels makes the body store more fat because of increasing insulin levels. This increase in size mostly occurs around the stomach. Other symptoms of perimenopause include hot flashes, night sweats, dry skin and headaches. Here’s what health experts say you can do to fight weight gain during perimenopause:

Increase dairy intake. Several studies have shown that people who eat more dairy every day lose more weight than those who don’t eat dairy. Moreover, much of the fat loss occurs in the stomach. One study suggested that people who eat three to five servings every day can lose up to 80 percent more weight and fat than those who don’t eat dairy. Health experts say it’s the calcium that helps fight fat.

Women should also start weight training and do interval training during perimenopause. The exercises that worked well in their 20s and 30s may not be as effective during the 40s and 50s, so interval training and weight lifting can help fight the fat increase that occurs in perimenopause. Typically, most women see a decrease in lean muscle mass during perimenopause. Make sure to see a doctor before starting a new exercise routine or changing your existing routings.

Perimenopausal women should also watch their diet a little more closely. Most women, and even men, see a decline in their metabolism as they age, so people need fewer calories each day to stay at their current weight. Typically, metabolism declines .5 percent each year after age twenty-five. Women in perimenopause should be aware of the glycemic index and opt for low glycemic foods. These foods have a better effect on insulin levels as they don’t raise blood sugar levels as quickly. Choose foods like non-starchy vegetables, raw apples and skim milk, and overall eat more lean protein.

Finally, women should stop drinking diet soda. Several studies, according to the American Diabetes Association, show that people who drink diet soda gain more weight and more fat, especially around their abdomens. The artificial sweeteners in diet drinks appear to affect weight. If you do all these things and check with your doctor before changing your diet and workout routines, you’ll be able to fight the fat that comes with perimenopause.

You can find more weight loss tips at Best Way to Lose Weight. Best Way to Lose Weight Headquarters has weight loss tips supported by research from health experts.