About Weight Gain

As women approach menopause they endure many symptoms, but one that proves the most difficult for many women to accept is menopausal weight gain. Not only can a few extra pounds (or maybe more) ravage a woman´s self-esteem and self-image, weight gain can usher in a host of health concerns that put a woman at risk of developing life-threatening conditions.

Upwards of 90% of menopausal women experience some amount of weight gain. Although weight gain is a natural and common aspect of getting older, there are ways to avoid it. Women who are educated about this symptom are more likely to find ways around the typical spare tire around the waist or extra inches here and there. Continue reading to learn more about weight gain, its symptoms, and the risks involved.

Weight Gain	Definition of Weight Gain Weight gain takes place when an individual increases her body mass, whether as a result of fat deposits, additional muscle tissue, or excess fluid. However, weight gain associated with menopause typically involves increased amounts of fat around the abdomen. On average, women gain between 12 and 15 pounds between the ages of 45 and 55, the stage in life when menopause typically occurs. This extra weight generally does not evenly distribute itself throughout a woman´s body. The weight tends instead to accumulate around the abdomen, and women often notice the shape of their bodies slowly lose their hour-glass figure and begin to take on a rounded shape. Read below to learn the common symptoms associated with weight gain during menopause.
Weight Gain Overview About Weight Gain Definition Symptoms Risks Causes of Weight Gain Hormonal Other causes Weight Gain Treatments

Symptoms of Weight Gain

Besides a need for additional belt notches or unfamiliar numbers showing up when standing on a scale, there are other symptoms of weight gain during menopause. Women generally know when they have gained weight and don´t need to learn how to identify this menopausal symptom. Some of the indicators, however, are unique to weight gain associated with menopause. At the right is a list of symptoms of weight gain during menopause.

Continue reading below to learn about the risks associated with weight gain during menopause.

Risks of Weight Gain

Weight gain during menopause entails more than just aesthetic concerns. Although no one enjoys looking in the mirror and seeing a softer, plumper body looking back, weight gain can lead to very serious health conditions that transcend visual displeasure. Several diseases and other conditions can spawn as a result of a body burdened with excess pounds. Here is a list of conditions weight gain can lead to:

Now that it´s clear what weight gain during menopause is and what risks are associated with it, it would be best to begin learning about the causes of weight gain.

Return to home page and learn more about the 34 Menopause Symptoms.