Is weight gain common in the menopause transition?
On average, women may experience a gain of approximately 10-15 pounds in the years surrounding menopause. There are several theories as to why this might happen. One theory is that the increase in weight and fat deposition allows for an increase in estrogen production, as fat cells can convert other hormones into estrogen. With the ovaries declining in their production of estrogen, the fat cells can "take up the slack" of estrogen production to some degree, lessening the effects of declining estrogen. Others link the weight gain to a decrease in thyroid function, and subsequently metabolism. With lowered metabolism, fewer calories are required to maintain your current weight. If caloric intake remains the same, then weight increases. A change in body composition can also affect metabolism. Because muscle tissue burns more fuel than our fat tissue, loss of muscle mass can result in a reduced requirement for calories. Inactivity as we age can promote a change in body composition.
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