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Over time gained weight in the midsection
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Hello Anonymous,
Welcome to EmpowHER and thank you for reaching out to us with your concern about weight gain that is limited to your mid section.
If you are a woman who has reached menopause, the shift in body fat to the abdomen can be blamed on age and hormones.
Muscle mass typically diminishes with age, while fat increases. Loss of muscle mass also decreases the rate at which your body uses calories, which can make it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight.
Many women also notice an increase in belly fat as they get older, even if they aren't gaining weight. This is likely due to a decreasing level of estrogen, which appears to influence where fat is distributed in the body.
The tendency to gain or carry weight around the waist might have a genetic component as well.
Regards,
June 16, 2015 - 9:14amMaryann
This Comment
Thank you for your response. What is the best way to lose the weight?
June 16, 2015 - 9:19amThis Comment
Hi Bet,
The best way to lose weight is to burn more calories than you consume.
Try these three suggestions.
Eat a healthy diet. Focus on plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and choose lean sources of protein and low-fat dairy products. Limit saturated fat, found in meat and high-fat dairy products, such as cheese and butter. Include moderate amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that are found in fish, nuts and certain vegetable oil.
Keep portion sizes in check. At home, reduce your portion sizes. In restaurants, share meals or eat half your meal and take the rest home for another day.
Include physical activity in your daily routine. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, for at least 150 minutes a week or vigorous aerobic activity, such as jogging, for at least 75 minutes a week. In addition, strength training exercises are recommended at least twice a week.
To lose excess fat and keep it from coming back, aim for slow and steady weight loss — up to 2 pounds (1 kilogram) a week. Remember to check with your physician before starting if you have any underlying medical conditions.
Think of it as a lifestyle change and not a diet.
Maryann
June 16, 2015 - 9:44amThis Comment