Slim DOWN after menopause? (No way!)

Weight gain after menopause is an annoying problem.

I mean, who wants to gain weight after enduring the “change of life”?

But it’s common—especially in the U.S., where nearly 75 percent of women 60 and older are overweight.

Is there a way to slim DOWN instead?

Where are all the specialists?

I was recently on an adventure in Chile. (It was an amazing, beautiful, rigorous trip!)

And it seemed the only overweight people I saw were American tourists.

Of course, I have many theories as to why our nation struggles so much with weight… from our hideous food supply that’s plagued with toxic ingredients, to utter disdain for exercise. Not to mention, we tend to idolize the idea that bigger is better.

But let’s explore another reason behind America’s weight-battle that never really crossed my mind before…

There just aren’t enough doctors who specialize in menopause and/or obesity.

Consequently, tackling one or both falls on your primary care physician…

Someone who likely doesn’t have specialized training about weight management or how the body functions after menopause!

And I don’t have to tell you how that’s a huge oversight…

A fuller picture

First and foremost, there’s an “art” to helping people—especially menopausal and post-menopausal women—lose and maintain weight.

This has become quite clear to me with the rise of the new weight-loss drugs. I haven’t experienced any complications in my patient population because I am a weight doctor… but I’ve heard horror stories.

That’s because there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to weight issues. Your treating physician must take many factors into consideration before guiding you—including age, gender, hormone levels, and more.

So… finding someone who can tailor a plan for you be successful achieving your ideal weight—at any age—is step one.

Re-learning your body—and understanding how to re-balance your hormones post-menopause—is step two.

Tune back in tomorrow for a discussion about hormone health.

Source:

“Weight Loss in Later-Life Women: More Than Diet, Exercise.” Medscape, 03/19/2024. (medscape.com/viewarticle/weight-loss-later-life-women-more-than-diet-exercise-2024a100053b)