Why Belly Fat Gets Worse in Perimenopause (And How to Actually Shift It) | Dr. Mary Claire Haver

Why Belly Fat Gets Worse in Perimenopause (And How to Actually Shift It) | Dr. Mary Claire Haver

May 1, 2026 · 10 min · Episode 569

About this episode

Dr. Mary Claire Haver discusses the impact of perimenopause on belly fat and offers dietary and supplement strategies for managing health during this transition.

Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified obstetrician-gyneacologist, explores the physical and biological shifts women experience during perimenopause and menopause. She discusses the common issue of visceral belly fat and its health implications, emphasising the importance of an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fibre and whole foods over a weight-centric focus. Dr. Haver also addresses digestive changes like bloating, linked to a shifting gut microbiome, and offers guidance on essential supplements such as Vitamin D, fibre, and creatine to support long-term health and muscle maintenance. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN The biological cause of belly fat: Understand how hormonal fluctuations during menopause lead to a natural shift in body composition and the accumulation of visceral fat. How the gut microbiome changes: Discover the relationship between menopause and digestive symptoms like bloating as the gut's bacterial profile begins to shift. Dietary strategies for hormonal health: Learn the benefits of an anti-inflammatory, plant-based diet and the specific role of fibre in managing menopausal symptoms. The role of key supplements: Identify which supplements, like Vitamin D, magnesium, and…

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