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Sheryl Kraft

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October 19, 2015

The Truth About Your Post-Menopausal Body

Published in: Aging, Belly Fat, Exercise, Fitness, Health, Menopause, Midlife, Staying Healthy, Weight Gain

Going through menopause means a lot of things to a lot of women. While many parts of the “transition” are individual (for instance, my sister suffered nary a hot flash while I was continually bathed in sweat), one universal truth is this: our bodies change.

Yes, unfair, especially when you consider that’s just one set of problems added to the long list of other changes, like sleep disturbances, anxiety, night sweats, too many things to do and too little time to do them all in.

But as someone probably told you long ago, life is unfair. A cliché, perhaps, but a truism just the same.

Overheard Just About Everywhere.

I used to have a waistline.

I hate my body.A Balancing Act

Why do I keep gaining weight?

Where’d all this belly fat come from?

Menopause Sucks.

Muffin top. Menopot.

The Simple Story Behind That Truism.

As estrogen levels drop, fat gets redistributed from our hips, thighs and butts to our abdomen. And then there’s that other “M” word – Metabolism. It slows as we get older; hence the extra weight.

“It is a generally accepted fact that women tend to gain weight as they go through menopause,” reads a press release from the  North American Menopause Society (NAMS), released today. It also drives home the fact (as if we don’t already know this) that “postmenopausal women, on average, have a significantly higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and percentage of body fat.”

But There’s An Exception To Every Rule.

A new study out of the University of Massachusetts Amherst that was presented at the annual meeting of The NAMS showed that there are actually some types of physical activity that can make more of a difference on the body composition in postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women.

The Scoop.

The study found that postmenopausal women may have a leg up – and actually have more control over the their bodies than premenopausal women.

How so?

“Their (postmenopausal women’s) body composition is more impacted by light physical activity, such as casual walking or yard work, and by sedentary behavior.”

What It All Adds Up To.

Don’t give up on exercise. When it comes to body composition, these researchers found that light physical activity did make a difference.

Don’t be sedentary! The researchers also found – no surprise here – that “sedentary behavior was more strongly associated with waist circumference in postmenopausal women.”

Reassuring: Even a little bit of exercise may make a big difference in body composition.

My Personal Philosophy.

I refuse to throw up my hands in despair in spite of the waistline I no longer recognize as my own. I still get out there and exercise, and always encourage everyone I know (who will listen) to do the same. I don’t just do it for its supposed calorie-torching benefits; I do it for its overall health benefits. Oh, and the mental benefits too; you don’t want to be around me if I’ve missed a few days of exercise. Trust me. (Just ask my husband.)

Why This Matters.

Aside from the regular benefits of exercise – like maintaining strength and building bone density; helping to prevent chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and some cancers; keeping our minds and memories sharp – it’s good to know that we have a hand in the fight to manage our weight, too.

Sharing.

Here’s an article I wrote for Lifescript about managing middle-age belly fat.

You’re welcome.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cathy Chester says

    October 21, 2015 at 7:25 pm

    Great information and it makes total sense. I don’t get as much exercise as you do but I do take short daily walks. I figure a little is still better than nothing!

  2. Jenn says

    December 17, 2015 at 8:01 pm

    My mom is starting to go through menopause, so I’m hearing all about these body changes. She’s starting a new diet and exercise program to try and prevent herself from gaining excessive weight. I’m so glad she is taking care of her body!

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What’s this so-called midlife, anyway?

It’s a time of tremendous change, growth and opportunity. A time to re-evaluate our choices, our experiences and ourselves. A time to take what we’ve accumulated up until now and put it to work.

When I turned 50, many things changed... read more about me.

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A High School Student and Aspiring Writer from Australia Reaches Out…

I would love to hear a few things on the prospect from a first hand-perspective, and would be thrilled to learn more about it from you. Your advice is well valued and I’m very grateful to have such wise words from someone with such first hand experience.

I will be looking forward to reading more of your wonderful articles in the future!

Best wishes,

Mikayla

 
Sheryl Kraft
2017-01-17T13:37:55+00:00
I would love to hear a few things on the prospect from a first hand-perspective, and would be thrilled to learn more about it from you. Your advice is well valued and I’m very grateful to have such wise words from someone with such first hand experience. I will be looking forward to reading more of your wonderful articles in the future! Best wishes, Mikayla  
https://sherylkraft.com/testimonials/high-school-student-aspiring-writer-australia-reaches/

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Sheryl Kraft
2018-12-07T02:46:56+00:00
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I’m writing to express my admiration for the work you are doing!

I'm a young medical writer trying to get a foothold in the industry, so the portfolio you have on your website showcasing your accomplishments is something that I'm aiming to achieve.

I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I am hoping you can share some advice, tips, or guidance as I work on this, my lateral career change!

Thanks for taking the time to read this - I know you probably have much more exciting things to be doing, but just know that your work is inspiring me to continue down this writing path.

 
Sheryl Kraft
2020-02-14T14:57:09+00:00
I'm a young medical writer trying to get a foothold in the industry, so the portfolio you have on your website showcasing your accomplishments is something that I'm aiming to achieve. I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I am hoping you can share some advice, tips, or guidance as I work on this, my lateral career change! Thanks for taking the time to read this - I know you probably have much more exciting things to be doing, but just know that your work is inspiring me to continue down this writing path.  
https://sherylkraft.com/testimonials/im-writing-to-express-my-admiration-for-the-work-you-are-doing/
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