Weight Gain Caused by Hormonal Fluctuation

Beginning in our mid-to-late 30s, women have a particular challenge managing their metabolism because of hormonal changes in perimenopause.

• Besides an increase in insulin resistance, we experience a natural decrease in our metabolic flexibility (meaning it is more difficult for us to burn fat) in our 30s.

• Thus, it is not surprising that women in their 40s start to put on weight. After the age of 40, metabolism decreases 5% every 10 years!

Extra weight around the midsection often is one of the first signs metabolism has changed likely due to underlying hormonal fluctuations. These issues are compounded by consuming too many simple carbs (bread, pasta, chips, sugary drinks), toxins, and/or stress (especially!).

• Processed carbs and sweets drive insulin, estrogen, and fat storage.

• Spikes of our stress hormone cortisol also keep us from burning fat.

• Moreover, carcinogens & obesogens* in our food and beauty/household products, contribute significantly to obesity & type 2 diabetes.

  
  

Obesogens are compounds in foods, particularly processed foods with added sugar and high fructose corn syrup, that predispose stem cells to become fat cells.

• Obesogens can also be found in nonfood products, such as plastics, glyphosate (used heavily in agriculture) and endocrine disruptors found in personal care products. 

While glucose is the primary fuel our cells use to produce the energy we need, we can also burn fat for fuel, if we become fat-adaptive or more metabolically flexible.

• Aim for 80% healthy foods; increase your fat, fiber, and protein, while reducing (not eliminating!) carbs.

• Ensure you get protein, fat, and fiber at every meal.

  
  

Thankfully, you CAN fight fat accumulation by tweaking diet and exercise.

• High-quality protein, fats, and whole grains fight insulin resistance & estrogen-dominance, relieving menopausal symptoms, like hot flashes and brain fog.

• A 3-minute post-meal walk slows glucose spikes and boosts testosterone, important for weight loss because muscle burns fat.

Join me and some new friends in a Hormones and Perimenopause workshop to learn more. There is so much we can control to feel better and age gracefully!