health
Why women in middle age often get a belly – and what can be done about it
Menopause brings a lot of change for women. The conversion of the character is one of them. From then on, more fat is stored on the abdomen.
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Many women are familiar with the phenomenon: from their mid-40s they develop a belly. We took a close look at why this is – and what you can do about it.
At first glance, it seems like a fate that cannot be escaped. At some point in life every woman gets a belly. The age of about 45 years and older is probably something like the magic limit. Many people I’ve talked to in recent years have serious doubts about themselves during this phase and blame themselves. Are we eating the wrong thing? Are we moving too little? Am I missing the discipline?
The cause lies somewhere else – and above all in a physical peculiarity that we cannot influence at all. In the years immediately leading up to menopause, hormone levels in women’s bodies change dramatically. This shift is also to blame for hot flashes, mood swings, irregular bleeding, trouble sleeping, and more. The change, which takes an average of seven years, takes place between the ages of 45 and 55.
Before that, nature has set it up for you, women usually store their fat on their hips and buttocks. One speaks of the pear shape. Men, for example, are more likely to store their fat on their stomachs. The apple shape is characteristic of her figure. But then, with the menopause, a profound change occurs: now women lose muscle and bone mass, there is not only an increase in fat, but also a redistribution – cushions on the hips and buttocks disappear, abdominal fat increases. The figure is rebuilt from “pear” to “apple shape” because male hormones such as testosterone, which are also present in the female body, increasingly take over the regime after menopause – also via fat distribution. The metabolism expert Michael Boschmann from the Berlin Charité once said to me in an interview: “I often have patients who are surprised that they suddenly weigh seven or eight kilos more. I always have to say quite uncharmingly: That’s old age.”
Why the conversion happens has yet to be researched
Scientists do not agree on the goal of this physical remodeling. Unfortunately, the new distribution of fat is anything but healthy. Above all, the so-called visceral fat on the abdomen that envelops the organs is considered dangerous. Because it is very metabolically active and sends out messenger substances throughout the day that can trigger inflammation in the body and subsequently all kinds of diseases such as heart attack, arteriosclerosis or diabetes.
Incidentally, men also gain abdominal fat with age – but more slowly and significantly less than women. The “New York Times” writes with regard to the female ovaries: “There is nothing comparable in men where an organ basically stops working and says ‘Bye’.”
Unfortunately, scientists are only slowly beginning to understand how visceral fat works – and how to fight it effectively. But there are already important indications. Physical activity in particular seems to play an important role. It should be two to two and a half hours of sport per week – preferably endurance sports such as running or swimming, which activate numerous muscle groups. You should also pay attention to the composition of your diet. Fruit and vegetables in particular should be on the menu. Also whole grain products, nuts, fish and other high-fiber foods. Their main feature is that they keep you full for a long time.
Even if the extra exercise doesn’t lead to weight stabilization or weight loss, you activate your metabolism and start all sorts of healthy processes in your body. It’s not about breaking records, it’s about having fun while exercising. If you find the right sport for you, it is also a good remedy for mood swings.