Does perimenopause cause weight gain?

Hormonal changes in perimenopause can significantly slow down metabolism and increase insulin resistance, leading to belly fat. As someone managing diabetes, I highly suggest keeping your carbohydrate intake low and focusing on fiber. It is very important to monitor your blood sugar during this phase.

I put on almost 6 kilos during my perimenopause phase and felt extremely bloated all the time. I recently managed to lose most of it by cutting down on sugar and doing regular walking. It is a slow process because your body is changing, so please be patient with yourself.

My wife assumed her sudden weight gain and extreme fatigue were just normal perimenopause signs, so she ignored it for a year. It turned out she had developed severe hypothyroidism during this time. Please get a complete thyroid and hormonal panel done instead of assuming everything is just menopause.

With busy work schedules, managing perimenopausal weight gain can be very tough. The most realistic solution is portion control and desk exercises. Try to stand up every hour and prep your high-protein meals during the weekend so you don't eat quick junk when busy.

My sisters advised me to drink warm lemon water and eat light dinner to control menopause weight. However, my doctor explained that muscle mass naturally decreases during this age, which lowers metabolism. I followed his advice to include more protein in my diet, and it helped stabilize my weight.

It is so incredibly frustrating to watch your body change and gain weight even when you are trying your best to eat healthy. I struggled so much mentally with this phase and felt like crying every time I wore my old clothes. Please know you are not alone, and it's okay to seek support from a nutritionist or counselor.