Reasons for thickening of the waist and abdomen in women during menopause

The thickening of the waist and abdomen in women during menopause is mainly related to changes in hormone levels, a decrease in basal metabolic rate, changes in fat distribution, muscle loss, lifestyle adjustments, and other factors. The decrease in estrogen leads to the accumulation of fat in the abdomen, slowing down metabolism and reducing calorie consumption. Lack of exercise and imbalanced dietary structure further exacerbate fat accumulation.

1. Changes in hormone levels

Menopausal women experience a decline in ovarian function and a significant decrease in estrogen secretion. Estrogen has the function of regulating fat distribution, and a decrease in its level can lead to a decrease in subcutaneous fat and an increase in visceral fat. Visceral fat mainly accumulates in the waist and abdomen, forming central obesity. This change in fat distribution is one of the core reasons for the increase in waist circumference.

2. Decrease in basal metabolic rate

As age increases, the body's basal metabolic rate decreases by a certain amount every year. Menopausal women gradually lose muscle mass, further reducing resting energy expenditure. If the intake of dietary calories is not adjusted accordingly, excess calories will be converted into fat storage, especially in the waist and abdomen, which can easily form excess fat.

3. Changes in Fat Distribution

Decreased estrogen promotes adipocyte differentiation and concentration towards the abdomen, while increasing the activity of lipoprotein lipase that inhibits fat breakdown. This physiological change causes menopausal women to have a significant increase in waist to hip ratio even if their weight does not increase significantly, presenting typical apple shaped body characteristics.

4. Muscle Loss

After menopause, muscle synthesis ability weakens, and muscle mass is lost at a certain rate every year. Muscle tissue is an important metabolically active tissue, and its reduction can lower overall energy expenditure efficiency. Atrophy of the core muscles in the waist and abdomen can also lead to a decrease in abdominal support, making the appearance of the abdomen appear more relaxed and swollen.

5. Lifestyle Adjustment

Some women may reduce their exercise levels due to menopausal discomfort or alleviate emotional fluctuations through high calorie diets. Prolonged sitting and excessive intake of refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, etc. can synergistically promote abdominal fat accumulation. Decreased sleep quality can also disrupt the balance of leptin and ghrelin, increasing appetite.

It is recommended that menopausal women take comprehensive management measures: engage in moderate aerobic exercise and resistance training every week, with a focus on strengthening core muscle group exercise; Increase dietary fiber and high-quality protein intake, control refined sugar and saturated fat; Maintain a regular daily routine and, if necessary, undergo hormone replacement therapy under the guidance of a doctor. Regular monitoring of waist circumference and body fat rate, timely detection and intervention of abdominal obesity can effectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Be careful to avoid extreme dieting and ensure intake of calcium and vitamin D to prevent osteoporosis.