Menopause and weight gain

Oestrogen is responsible for the female pear-type fat distribution and a lack of oestrogen will cause the fat distribution to change to the male apple-type fat (the so-called middle-age spread) distribution. This type of fat distribution is associated with an increase in the risk for cardiovascular disease.

Appetite may decrease, but the stress associated with this period often leads to an increase in appetite. The associated weight gain doesn’t do the mood any good either.

Other gastrointestinal symptoms associated with menopause include nausea, flatulence, constipation and/or diarrhoea.