Menopause is a major transition that brings more than just hormonal shifts—it can impact many parts of a woman’s body and lifestyle, sometimes leading to weight gain. This isn’t just due to one factor but often a combination of changes in hormones, stress, sleep, and activity levels. Here’s a look at why weight gain can occur during peri and post-menopause and some practical things you can do about it.

I love exercise. It fills my cup. It makes me feel energised, powerful, strong and happy. Endorphins are my superpower. I’m inspired by the old ladies rocking it at my gym; all power to them and I want to be part of their tribe. I swear I’m going to die with weights in my hands.

Let's face it, ladies: the "menopause belly" is real. And it can feel like a betrayal, this burgeoning belly replacing your formerly flat (or at least flatter) midsection. 

We often find ourselves grappling with midlife challenges, feeling tired, dealing with bloating, experiencing cravings, and witnessing unexpected weight gain. In this article, I outline how changing hormones, busy lifestyles, and dietary choices play a significant role, and what you can do about it.

Menopause is a natural phase of a woman's life, marking the end of her reproductive years. While it's a significant transition, it often comes with various challenges, both physical and emotional.

While research suggests that the average weight gain during menopause is around 2 - 4 kg, many women I speak to share a different story. Not only have they gained considerably more weight but their body shape has also changed significantly and it all seemed to happen overnight!