Is weight gain a sign of menopause?

Welcome to the club! I look at a gulab jamun these days and somehow put on a kilo instantly. Hormones really play a wild game during menopause, but honestly, laughing about it with friends helps more than stressing. Just stay active and let the body do its thing.

My mom went through this recently and she was so annoyed about her sudden weight gain. Her doctor told her it is totally normal during menopause because of dropping estrogen levels. She started yoga and it really helped her feel much better and active.

My gynaecologist explained that as estrogen levels drop during perimenopause, the body tends to store more fat, particularly in the abdomen. It also affects our sleep and mood, which indirectly leads to weight gain. She advised me to focus on strength training and a protein-rich diet to maintain muscle mass.

I went through this menopause phase almost fifteen years ago, and yes, the sudden weight gain caught me off guard too. But trust me, once your hormones find their balance, your weight also stabilizes. Keep yourself occupied with hobbies, walk in nature, and don't worry too much about the numbers on the scale.

I can only share what happened with me, as I am not an expert. When my periods started getting irregular last year, I suddenly gained about 4 kilos without changing my eating habits at all. It was quite frustrating, but talking to my gynecologist really helped me understand what my body was going through.

As the metabolism slows down in later years, adjusting your diet becomes very crucial. Cutting down on simple carbs and adding more fiber-rich vegetables, lentils, and curd can manage this weight shift. However, please consult a nutritionist or doctor before making any major dietary changes.