This is a “natural” part of being a woman, he said
Dr Amir shared some advice on weight gain that older women might experience(Image: Getty)
A doctor has revealed why women start to put on belly fat as they age, stating it’s a “normal” part of life. According to the expert, women can expect to see their weight fluctuate when they get older.
In a clip from his podcast No Appointment Necessary, shared to his Instagram page, Dr Amir Khan issued some reassurance about weight before and after the menopause. He explained how fat is distributed on the body differently as a result of this hormonal change.
Menopause is a natural life stage that typically affects women between the ages of 45 and 55. It happens when hormone levels in the body drop to a point where periods cease completely.
As a consequence of these hormonal shifts, the body can experience a broad range of symptoms that can impact both physical and mental health. These include hot flushes, mood swings, and brain fog.
However, it can also affect how your body stores fat. On the podcast, his co-host Cheery Healey said: “Lots of women find that when they go through perimenopause and menopause, they gain weight.”
Dr Amir responded: “So, before the menopause, fat distribution in women is usually around the hips, thighs, and buttock area. And that fat distribution is completely normal and healthy and women should have fat there, you don’t want to lose it.”
He explained why. “It’s really good for your fertility,” he said.
“It’s really good for your overall health. It is expected and needed.”
But after menopause, you might notice that you are more prone to weight gain around the tummy. Dr Amir continued: “After the menopause, as the hormones shift, things change.
“And that fat usually deposits around the tummy area and the hips as well and so people can refer to it as a ‘meno belly’. It’s not really a great term but it is just the shift of weight, really.”
He added: “Normal, natural, not the end of the world, part of being a woman, an adult woman.” His advice is supported by the NHS website, which says: “Weight gain during perimenopause and menopause is common.
“It often happens around the stomach and upper body.”
Other symptoms of menopause
The other symptoms of menopause, as listed by the NHS, include:
- Changes to your periods
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes, poor memory and brain fog
- Vaginal problems such as dryness, a burning feeling, irritation or itching in and around the vagina
- UTIs (urinary tract infections)
- A faster, slower or more noticeable heartbeat (palpitations)
- Weakening bones (loss of bone density), which can lead to osteoporosis
- Feeling the need to pee more or not being able to control when you pee (urinary incontinence)
- Headaches and migraines that are worse than usual
- Muscle aches and joint pains
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Skin changes, including dry and itchy skin
- Reduced sex drive (loss of libido)
- Sensitive teeth, painful gums or other mouth problems
The health body says you should contact your GP if:
- You think you have symptoms of menopause or perimenopause and want to know what your options are
- You have symptoms like a fast heartbeat (palpitations)
- You still have periods but your bleeding pattern has changed and you’re bleeding more, not less, than before
- You have not had a period for 12 months or more, and you have any vaginal bleeding
The most commonly prescribed treatment for menopause symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT).