Are you a post-menopausal woman struggling to keep off the weight that you’ve worked so hard to lose? You’re not alone. A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that even if older, post-menopausal women are successful at losing weight, maintaining that weight loss for an extended period is an even more significant challenge.
The Science Behind Weight Loss Difficulties After Menopause
Lead investigator Bethany Barone Gibbs, Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh department of health and physical activity, explains that several factors work against long-term weight loss, especially for post-menopausal women.
Not only does motivation decrease, but there are physiological changes that make weight loss (and maintaining it) harder after menopause. A lower resting metabolic rate is one factor. The resting metabolic rate is the number of calories your body burns when you’re at rest. When your metabolism slows down, you burn fewer calories, which makes it more difficult to lose weight and maintain weight loss.
Appetite-related hormones are another factor. Did you know that your body’s hormones can work against your weight loss goals after menopause? Researchers have discovered that appetite-related hormones increase and that your brain’s reward centers also change, leading to higher motivation to eat. This not only makes it challenging to lose weight but also contributes to gaining back the pounds you worked so hard to shed.
How to Fight Back Against Weight Regain
So, what can post-menopausal women do to maintain their weight loss and avoid regaining the pounds? There are several strategies that may help.
One proven approach is incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet while cutting back on meat and cheese. Researchers have found that this way of eating can significantly contribute to long-term weight loss success.
Another way to keep the weight off is to engage in regular physical activity. The Mayo Clinic suggests aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. This can help increase calories burned and maintain muscle mass.
Also, remember the importance of portion control. You may need to re-evaluate your serving sizes and avoid overeating, as larger portions can contribute to weight gain.
Finally, don’t underestimate the significance of stress on your weight. High stress can lead to overeating or making unhealthy food choices, so finding ways to manage stress is essential for lasting weight loss.
A Focus on Long-Term Strategies for Success
The key takeaway for post-menopausal women fighting the battle of the bulge is that a focus on long-term strategies is crucial. As Gibbs explains: “If the goal is to reduce the burden of obesity, the focus must be on long-term strategies because changes in eating behaviors only associated with short-term weight loss are likely to be ineffective and unsustainable.”
By incorporating changes to your diet, increasing physical activity, practicing portion control, and managing stress, you can increase your chances of maintaining weight loss long-term.
Additional Resources and Support
If you’re looking for further information and support in your weight loss and maintenance journey, don’t hesitate to seek out help from a variety of sources:
- Women’s Health – The Office on Women’s Health provides comprehensive information on menopause, including weight management resources.
- CDC: Healthy Weight – This website offers practical tips for managing weight during and after menopause.
- The American Heart Association – Find guidance on heart-healthy eating and suggestions for long-term weight management.
- ChooseMyPlate – The United States Department of Agriculture provides helpful tools and resources for creating an individualized healthy eating plan.
Remember that everyone’s weight loss and maintenance journey is unique, and you may need to make adjustments as you go. Don’t get discouraged if it takes time to find what works best for you. Maintaining a healthy weight is possible at any age and stage, even after menopause.
