Weight Gain
A sudden shift in body composition, with weight accumulating around the midsection despite no change in diet.
Biological Mechanism
Estrogen plays a key role in where the body stores fat. Premenopausally, estrogen directs fat storage to the hips and thighs (gluteofemoral depot) which protects metabolic health. As estrogen drops, the relatively higher proportion of androgens directs fat to the visceral depot (the abdomen). Concomitantly, basal metabolic rate slows due to loss of muscle mass (also estrogen-dependent).
Common Misdiagnoses
Hypothyroidism (though often co-morbid), Poor compliance with diet
Evidence-Based Treatments
- 01HRT
Does not typically cause weight loss, but significantly reduces visceral (belly) fat accumulation and improves insulin sensitivity.
- 02Protein prioritization & Resistance training
Essential to combat sarcopenia (muscle loss) which drags down the basal metabolic rate.