28/05/2026
Noticing extra weight around your midline during menopause? 🧵 Here’s the quick breakdown of why it happens and how to handle it, courtesy of EatingWell and Cancer Research UK:
Why it’s happening:
📉 The Oestrogen Drop: Declining ovarian oestrogen levels cause your body to shift fat storage directly to your abdomen.
📉 The "Vicious Cycle": Your body actually creates deep abdominal fat (visceral fat) to compensate! This fat contains an enzyme called aromatase, which converts hormones to produce a form of oestrogen called estrone. It’s your body's clever way of trying to make more oestrogen, but it can result in that stubborn "spare tyre."
📉 Muscle Loss: Natural muscle loss as we age slows down your metabolism, making weight gain easier.
Why managing it matters:
⚠️ While your body is just trying to protect you, too much visceral abdominal fat can lead to chronic inflammation and is linked to a higher risk of breast and womb cancers.
What to do about it:
💪 Lift weights: Build muscle to kickstart your resting metabolism and target visceral fat.
🥦 Eat more protein & fibre: Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, and veggies to stay full, stabilise blood sugar, and manage weight.
😴 Don't skip rest: Bad sleep and high stress trigger cortisol, which loves to store belly fat.
It’s just biology and your hormones trying to find a new balance. Adjust the routine, support your body, and keep moving forward! ✨
Photo- my lunch yesterday. Skipped the mayo and butter on the club 🥪 it was delicious. Followed by third of a salted caramel brownie, shared with my girls
