Weight Gain and Menopause – Is It Real?

This has been a topic I have been reading up about for years, it is my biggest struggle and so I thought a fitting first post here on Wisdoms and Wrinkles.

I have always struggled with my weight but I have always managed to keep it pretty consistent. When I picked up a few extra (unwanted) kgs I knew how to get rid of them in a healthy, sustainable way. Until now, that is.

A few years ago my body burnt out. My cortisol levels flat-lined and I had the most debilitating exhaustion. It was also the start of my weight gain and I understand why. But I worked with a great doctor to sort my cortisol levels out, fix a few other issues and learn how to manage my stress. She kept saying the weight will come off, just give it time. Well here we are 3 years later with even more weight than when we started.

I have done all the things recommended and I have done them consistently.

• Cut out (or reduced dramatically) processed foods, gluten, dairy, red meat, sugar, caffeine.
• Increased my exercise to include resistance training and walking.
• Learnt how to manage my stress.
• Get enough sleep.

The weight keeps coming which has led me to link it directly to perimenopause. But every a health care professional online and offline hears this I am shut down with an emphatic – NO PERIMENOPAUSE/MENOPAUSE DOES NOT CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN. When I speak to women who in perimenopause, they all emphatically agree that since menopause they have definitely experienced an increase in weight. Granted my research is not scientific but I have had discussions with woman in person, online on a variety of platforms and the majority of woman have gained weight in the 40’s!

So why are we being gaslit into believing it is not linked?

I have been told by medical professionals that the reason for the weight gain during this time is change in hormones, lack of sleep, so you are more tired so don’t work out enough or you eat wrong. But they still refuse to say that weight gain is a symptom of menopause!

They then go on to say move more, eat less sugar, get more sleep, lift weights. Sure, ok – do you know how many women I have spoken to or read about who have done this and still can’t shake the weight or keep gaining weight – lots – even women who are active, eat healthy and get enough sleep. (Again I have no scientific results here, I have just listened to what woman are saying).

My frustration with this is that we are being made to feel like we are a little crazy for saying there is a definite link between weight gain and menopause. The support being offered by medical professionals is also not particularly helpful – if I eat any less, sleep any more or add more exercise to my week – I will literally be sleeping and working out.

I don’t really know what the solution is apart from more research in to menopause and the impact it has on women’s body and acknowledgement from those we are asking for help.

I would love to hear your stories about weight gain (or loss) during menopause. Is it something you have experienced?