Women in their 40s and 50s can torch abdominal fat by eating soy products and two types of seeds
Women going through menopause can adopt a few simple diet habits to reap major results
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Women going through menopause (typically between the ages of 45 and 55) often find that they gain weight easily.
But just because weight gain is a symptom of this natural change, it doesn't mean that it's irreversible.
Registered dietician Rimas Geiga spoke exclusively to GB News about how women in menopause can lose weight by making diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. Ladies may want to incorporate soy products, flaxseeds and sesame seeds into their diet.
Rimas said: "Menopause signifies a period of significant change in a woman's body, impacting metabolism, muscle mass, and fat distribution.
"The decrease in oestrogen levels particularly exacerbates the struggle with weight, often leading to an increase in abdominal fat.
Sesame seeds contain phytoestrogens, which can mimic oestrogen's effects in the body
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"In addressing these challenges, a holistic approach is paramount. Dietary strategies should focus on phytoestrogens, which may slightly mimic oestrogen's effects, found in soy products, flaxseeds and sesame seeds.
"Incorporating these into a diet rich in fibre (fruits, vegetables, wholegrains) and lean protein sources can help manage weight by enhancing satiety and maintaining muscle mass."
According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, phytoestrogens are present in plums, pears, apples, grapes, berries, beans, sprouts, cabbage, spinach, grains, hops, garlic, onion, wine and tea.
Keeping active is also essential for women in this age group who want to slim down.
The expert said that "the role of exercise cannot be overstated". She explained: "Resistance training becomes crucial to counteract the loss of muscle mass and bone density, with the added benefit of improving metabolism.
"Cardiovascular exercises, adapted to one's fitness level, support heart health and burn calories, while yoga and Pilates can improve flexibility and stress management."
Pilates may have an added anti-ageing benefit. A Pilates teacher claimed that certain exercises can make you appear more "youthful".
The expert also said that lifestyle factors can make a big difference. Women going through menopause may find that their emotional state is heightened, so it's "important to acknowledge" its "psychological impact".
He said: "Many women may experience mood swings, depression, or anxiety, factors that can significantly affect eating habits and physical activity levels.
"Therefore, a supportive network, be it through therapy, support groups, or mindfulness practices, becomes an integral part of the weight loss journey during this life stage."
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'Cardiovascular exercises, adapted to one's fitness level, support heart health and burn calories'
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A menopause expert also spoke to GB News about how women going through this change can lose excess weight for good.
She told women going through menopause exactly what they should eat to see results, claiming that "conventional diets can cause more weight gain".
Middle-aged men also often struggle with weight gain, often due to a change in hormones, poor diet, drinking too much alcohol and a lack of exercise.