Motherhood changes us in countless ways on an emotional and mental level, but it is the physical changes that are visible which have the most impact on our mental health. When you are pregnant, your baby bump is a joyful reminder of the little miracle growing within you, but once you give birth to your baby, that stubborn belly fat can make you feel frustrated and self-conscious.
A mom’s body through the years tells a story of strength and resilience, so don’t shame your body and yourself for the changes you see. The harsh truth is that it is difficult to lose fat, especially belly fat, and this issue becomes a bigger problem during menopause. The good news is that there are ways to counter midlife weight gain.
Menopause, Metabolism and Managing Belly Fat
The world has changed tremendously in the last few decades, and we’ve adapted to it without realizing how much it’s changed us. We live in a world that thrives on instant gratification.
For example, with just a tap on an app, dinner arrives at our doorstep in minutes, and streaming services let us watch entire shows without waiting week to week. This culture of speed has reshaped our expectations in nearly every aspect of life, including weight loss.
We expect our body to “bounce back” after childbirth and then get disappointed when it doesn’t. Similarly, when we notice our menopause weight gain and start exercising, we expect to see quick results. What’s worse is that some women decide to “go all out” to shed the excess weight and push themselves too far too fast, and they land up doing more damage than good.
They often suffer muscle pulls or damaged tendons, so they have to take it easy for several days, and by the time their injury heals, they are so frustrated that they give up. There are several ways to beat menopausal belly fat, but the most important factor is consistency.
Even if you don’t see results for several weeks, focus on eating healthier and moving more, and you will eventually lose that stubborn belly fat.
It is important to have realistic expectations when trying to lose weight during menopause, and in order to have realistic expectations, it is important to understand the challenges. Even if you follow the same diet and exercise routine that you did before menopause, you will still notice weight gain, especially around your midsection.
A lot of women complain about how they were able to lose weight easily when they were younger, but once they reached menopause, it’s like they hit a wall in their weight loss efforts. This is because menopause causes a lot of hormonal changes, including a drop in estrogen.
Estrogen is not only tied to reproductive health but also plays a vital role in how fat is utilized and stored by our bodies, which is why it becomes tougher to lose weight during menopause. Studies show that the slower metabolism results in significant shifts in body composition. The metabolic changes during menopause make it difficult for you to lose weight, but that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible; it means that you need a different strategy that focuses on long-term results.
Belly Fat is More Than Skin Deep
Most of us see our belly fat as a cosmetic issue, something that affects our appearance, but the fact is that it has a huge impact on our overall health. Studies show that women who have more belly fat after menopause have a much higher risk of several serious health issues, from cardiovascular disease and diabetes to Alzheimer’s and even certain cancers. This is why it is important to stay consistent in your efforts to lose your belly fat.
Focusing on your midsection isn’t about going down a dress size; it’s about safeguarding your health and improving your quality of life. Instead of trying to overhaul your entire lifestyle at one go, start making small changes that support a healthy lifestyle. For instance, you can meal prep and batch cook your meals so that you are able to enjoy tasty meals at home, which will reduce your cravings for junk food.
Similarly, if you have not exercised in a while, you can start with a short walk and then slowly increase the speed and duration of your walks before adding in regular workouts. Small and consistent steps don’t seem like they will be as effective as sweeping changes, but they pave the way to a healthier life.
Marissa is a Pediatric Occupational Therapist turned stay-at-home mom who loves sharing her tips, tricks, and ideas for navigating motherhood. Her days are filled starting tickle wars and dance parties with three energetic toddlers and wondering how long she can leave the house a mess until her husband notices. When she doesn’t have her hands full of children, she enjoys a glass (or 3) of wine, reality tv, and country music. In addition to blogging about all things motherhood, she sells printables on Etsy and has another website, teachinglittles.com, for kid’s activity ideas.
