Unexpected changes in body shape and weight, especially in the midsection, are noticed by many women approaching menopause. Data from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) indicate that approximately 60%–70% of women experience some degree of weight gain during the transition years of menopause. This weight gain typically begins during the perimenopause, when hormone levels begin to fluctuate. Maintaining your health and self-assurance during this natural life stage can be made easier if you know why this happens and how to stop weight gain during menopause. When does menopause typically…

Why Weight-Loss Plans Don’t Work The majority of weight-loss resolutions made for the new year fail because they are based on unsustainable principles rather than severe restrictions. When you drastically cut calories or eliminate entire food groups, your body responds by slowing metabolism and increasing levels of hunger hormones such as ghrelin. This biological response makes long-term weight management nearly impossible. Research shows that restrictive diets fail because they don’t address the underlying behaviors and lifestyle factors that contribute to weight gain. Successful people prioritize developing healthy lifestyle habits that…