Around the time of menopause many women find they put on weight around their waistline, despite the fact they’re not eating more, or exercising less, than before. It’s such a common phenomenon, it’s earned itself the nickname meno belly, says endocrinologist Dr Jolene Brighten , author of Is This Normal? Answering Every Question You Have Ever Had About Your Body (Orion Spring). “What meno belly really refers to is increased visceral adiposity – or deep abdominal fat that surrounds the internal organs,” she explains.
“Unlike subcutaneous fat, which is located just under the skin, visceral fat is problematic for overall health, especially with increasing age. “Its buildup goes beyond being a cosmetic concern, as it’s a serious issue that’s linked to a higher risk for diseases like diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease, a major cause of death in postmenopausal women.” THE CAUSES: Belly fat accumulation during menopause is mostly attributed to hormonal changes, especially declining oestrogen levels, explains Dr Brighten.
“Oestrogen’s role is not limited to reproductive functions; it also influences how fat is distributed in the body,” she says. “When oestrogen levels drop, there’s a natural propensity to accumulate more visceral fat, along with overall increased body fat.” Oestrogen also impacts the maintenance and function of skeletal muscle, says Dr Brighten.
As oestrogen levels fall, many women going through men.
