Who knew weight gain would be a side effect of menopause.

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It comes as no surprise that the older you get, the harder it gets to maintain your usual weight. In fact, it’s not a myth that many women do gain weight around the menopause transition. But it isn’t inevitable. There are habits and changes you can make to reverse the weight gain.

What causes menopause weight gain?

Like many other things that affect us physiologically, hormonal changes during menopause play a part in weight gain, especially around the abdomen, more so you your hips and thighs. But hormonal changes alone aren’t the sole determining factor for weight gain. Other factors like aging, as well as lifestyle choice and genetics all play a role in weight gain.

As we get older, muscle mass generally diminishes while fat increases. With less muscles in place, the rate at which your body uses calories also decreases, making it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight. If you don’t combat this by eating less or increasing your physical activity, what else could you have expected if not for you to gain weight?

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Genetics run deep and if your parents were known to have carried extra weight around the abdomen, it’s not unlikely that the same will happen to you too.

Other factors such as inadequate exercise, unhealthy eating habits and not getting enough sleep can all contribute to menopause weight gain.

Is weight gain risky after menopause?

Excess weight gain in any form (menopause-related or not) can have serious implications for your health. Think increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems and various types of cancer, such as breast, colon and endometrial cancer.

How can I prevent weight gain after menopause?

There’s no magic formula or magic pill that you can take. Simply stick to these simple rules and make it part of your day-to-day so it doesn’t feel like a chore.

• Move more.Maintaining moderate aerobic activity is necessary to keep excessive weight gain at bay. Engage in strength training exercises too such as walking up the stairs, lifting weights and cycling which can help you to gain muscle and in turn help your body burn calories more efficiently. As a gauge, experts recommend brisk walking at least 150 minutes a week or if vigorous aerobic activity is more up your alley, you could try jogging for at least 75 minutes a week. In addition to that, strength training exercises are recommended at least twice a week. If you’re aiming to lose weight or to meet specific fitness goals, more exercise may then be required.

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• Eat less.Generally speaking, if you are just looking to maintain your current weight, you might need to reduce your caloric intake by approximately 200 a day once you reach your 50s versus your younger version when you were in your 30s and 40s. Choose quality over quantity when it comes to your diet. Increase your intake of healthier options such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains and reduce the amount of processed food. Every now and then, it’s good to give your body a cleanse and a reboot to ensure all systems are in good working function. It doesn’t mean starving yourself or relying on a purely liquid diet. You can include the Purification 1-Day Cleanse into your day, simply by mixing it with 3 litres of water and drinking it throughout the day. This simple act will help boost the performance of your major detoxifying organs, helping them to better eliminate toxins and impurities from your body. Alternatively, you could commit to a daily dose of Daily Cleanse Dietary Supplement to support the liver and kidneys in removing toxins on a regular basis.

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For any successful weight loss no matter your age or stage in your life, it’s always important to commit to lifestyle changes and habits that you know you can stick with for the long haul.

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