Women in their 40s and 50s told 'conventional diets' can 'cause more weight gain' - what to eat for fat loss results
Women in their 40s and 50s may find that they are gaining weight more easily than before
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Women going through perimenopause and menopause (typically between the ages of 45 and 55) may find that they are gaining weight more easily than they used to.
A menopause expert spoke to GB News about how women can best lose excess weight in this period of their lives.
Menopause coach Eileen Durward said: "Unfortunately, hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can make a ‘flight or fight’ stress response more easily triggered.
"The body reacts by producing cortisol, which makes us constantly crave sweet, carbohydrate-packed or fatty foods. This also leads to that ‘spare tyre’ around the middle or general weight gain that is so difficult to shift.
'Have regular meals with plenty of protein, healthy fats, vegetables, and a small amount of complex carbs'
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"Conventional diets which incorporate low-calorie/low-fat intake and lots of excessive exercise can actually be counter-productive and cause more weight gain."
The experts at Nutrisense seconded this, stating: "One of the primary reasons that undereating can lead to weight gain is because consuming too few calories can cause your resting metabolic rate to slow down. This means you may burn fewer calories throughout the day."
To lose weight - and keep it off - during menopause, the expert recommended women challenge their existing diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits.
Rather than cut down on calories and fat content, Eileen advised: "Have regular meals with plenty of protein, healthy fats, vegetables, and a small amount of complex carbs such as brown rice.
"These will keep blood sugar levels stable, preventing binging or craving sweet foods." People who want to lose weight should not be afraid to eat substantial meals. They must make sure their meals are nutritious.
As for drinking, women trying to lose weight can't go wrong with water. Eileen said: "Drink at least one and a half litres of plain water every day.
"But avoid caffeine, fizzy drinks and alcohol, as these can trigger sweet cravings."
When it comes to exercise, long, intense, workouts do not have to be your go-to. The menopause expert simply recommended that women in their 40s and 50s "keep active every day".
She said: "A 20-minute brisk daily walk can be more beneficial than two or three hard sessions at the gym.
"If you’re short on time, YouTube has fantastic short, sharp exercise programmes that can be done at home."
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'A 20-minute brisk daily walk can be more beneficial than two or three hard sessions at the gym'
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One fitness expert named the "number one" exercise for losing belly fat once and for all. It's "powerfully effective" and easy too.
Making some lifestyle adjustments can also work wonders. The expert concluded: "Reduce stress to reduce cortisol levels. To do this, have 30 minutes of 'me-time' every day, and take a magnesium supplement daily or a stress remedy such as a Passionflower extract."
Men in their 40s, 50s and 60s are another group who may find they gain weight more easily nowadays, but this doesn't mean they have to accept that.
Middle-aged men can lose belly fat with a 10-minute daily habit - no dieting required.