During menopause, there are various changes that occur in your body, including weight, body shape, and hormone levels. However, there are ways to feel your best during this time. In the WebMD webinar “How Menopause Affects Your Weight,” Dr. Beverly Tchang discussed these changes, their causes, and tools that can help improve your well-being. She is an endocrinologist and program director of the obesity medicine fellowship at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, as well as a co-founder of the nonprofit Tri-state Obesity Society. Dr. Tchang emphasizes the importance of seeking help from your doctor for symptom management and weight control during menopause, stating that it is a natural phase but doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.
The webinar polled over 1,800 viewers about their menopause symptoms, with 73% reporting belly fat as the main symptom. Additionally, over 40% stated that eating healthy helps alleviate their menopause symptoms.
Menopause affects weight due to the decline in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels. Dr. Tchang explains that menopause itself doesn’t cause weight gain, but it does lead to changes in body composition, such as increased fat, decreased muscle mass, and changes in water and bone composition. While weight may remain the same, the shape of the body may change.
To overcome menopause-related weight changes, Dr. Tchang recommends a combination of diet and exercise. If these lifestyle changes are insufficient, consulting with a doctor about weight loss medications can be beneficial.
During the viewer question segment, Dr. Tchang addresses important topics such as identifying menopause, differentiating between natural menopause and menopause caused by surgical ovary removal, reporting symptoms to doctors, and selecting the appropriate healthcare professionals for menopause and weight management oversight.
Another viewer question relates to the issue of “apron belly,” which is abdominal fat linked to menopause. Dr. Tchang explains that there is no exercise or diet specifically targeting this area of fat. Instead, overall healthiness, physical activity, cardiovascular exercise, a nutritious diet, and increased muscle mass all contribute to weight management. However, she highlights that individual biology, hormones, and genetics play a significant role in how weight loss is achieved, making it important to consult a healthcare professional for potential medical therapies.
The impact of alcohol on menopause symptoms is also discussed, with Dr. Tchang explaining that alcohol can exacerbate hot flashes due to increased blood flow. She recommends moderation in alcohol consumption during menopause.
For muscle-building programs, Dr. Tchang suggests accessing free online resources, such as YouTube, but recommends consulting with a doctor or personal trainer for proper guidance and form.
The relationship between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and dementia or heart attacks is examined, as well as alternatives for women on breast cancer medications that discourage HRT use. Dr. Tchang references the Women’s Health Initiative study, which assessed the benefits and risks of HRT and identified increased risks of dementia and heart attack after a 10-year hiatus from estrogen and progesterone. She emphasizes that HRT should be avoided in cases of breast cancer and discusses non-hormonal options for managing menopause symptoms. Moreover, Dr. Tchang warns about the lack of regulation in the supplement industry and recommends caution when considering over-the-counter therapies, as they may have undisclosed ingredients or contaminants.
In conclusion, the webinar provides valuable insights into menopause-related changes, symptom management, and weight control strategies, offering viewers an opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field.