How To Get Rid of Menopause Belly Fat and Lose Weight Naturally
By Eileen Tyrrell,
2024-09-18
Menopause comes with a lot of changes. Changes to your mood, sleep, energy levels and physical body. Indeed, many women struggle with weight gain during menopause, specifically around the midsection. Here, we explain what causes this and how to get rid of menopause belly fat naturally.
During perimenopause and menopause, plummeting progesterone and estrogen levels play a role in the loss of muscle mass . This leads to a slower metabolism and more fat accumulation, specifically in the midsection. The result: Abdominal fat increases from 5-8 percent of total body fat in premenopausal women to 15-20 percent of total body fat in postmenopausal women, according to a study in Women’s Health Reports .
How to get rid of menopause belly fat
The good news: It is possible to get rid of menopause belly fat and block menopausal weight gain from sneaking back on. “My workouts changed, my focus on nutrition has changed and my hormonal balance has changed, too,” shares Fadal. Here are three of her tried and true strategies to lose weight and belly fat.
“I have substantially increased protein . That’s a huge part of every meal,” says Fadal. “I stopped eating meat and fish years ago, but I went back to fish to maintain muscle mass and boost my metabolism.”
She also increased her intake of fiber from its premenopause levels. “The fiber is to decrease insulin spikes and break the fast in the morning. I always add soluble fiber to my smoothie,” like her Hot Girl Menopause Smoothie , says Fadal. Some fiber-rich ingredients she favors include chia seeds, hemp seeds and leafy greens, all of which can help prevent gaining weight.
Dee Pauletig, 64: “I’m proof you can feel better as you get older.”
2. Pick up the weights
“I was a big cardio girl. I used to do the treadmill or elliptical for 45 minutes every day,” Fadal shares. “Now, strength training is my big focus, at least three times a week. Either bodyweight exercises or weights.”
Why this is key: Strength training, like eating enough protein, will help counteract the loss of lean muscle mass that leads to increased belly fat storage. And as a bonus, this type of physical activity can also improve mood, strengthen bones and maybe even reduce hot flashes. To help lose belly fat, try Fadal’s single dumbbell lower body routine .
3. Reduce stress
“High cortisol is a problem,” notes Fadal. Indeed, excess amounts of the stress hormone cortisol can slow metabolism, increase cravings for sugary foods that contribute to fat storage and force fat to be relocated to the abdomen, where it takes up residence around your organs and stretches out your waistline.
“I try to balance stress with something, like yoga,” Fadal says. Other smart stress-reducing strategies to aid weight loss include meditating, taking daily walks and writing in a gratitude journal.
Hormone replacement therapy can help get rid of menopause belly fat
“It’s not for everyone, but hormone replacement therapy was right for me,” Fadal shares. “It helped balance my estrogen levels, which were very low. I feel like it has made a difference.” Talk to your healthcare provider about whether HRT could be the solution to your menopause belly or other symptoms of menopause.
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