Why is belly fat so common in midlife? Perimenopause, Cortisol, and Hormones
About this episode
Angela explores the physiological changes behind midlife weight gain, focusing on cortisol and hormonal shifts during perimenopause.
Angela presents a bitesize episode inn which she explores the physiological changes behind midlife weight gain, focusing on the role of cortisol and the hormonal shifts occurring during perimenopause. They highlight how the decline and fluctuation of oestrogen and progesterone lead to a redistribution of body fat from the hips and thighs to the abdominal area, as the body transitions out of its fertile state WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Hormonal Fat Redistribution: During perimenopause, declining oestrogen levels signal the body to shift fat storage from fertile areas like the hips and thighs to the abdomen. Muscle Mass and Metabolism: Loss of lean muscle mass in midlife significantly slows metabolism, as muscle is a primary "metabolic organ" that consumes glucose and fat for energy. The Importance of Protein: Prioritising high protein intake and sufficient calories is essential for building and maintaining muscle, especially as it becomes harder to do so during perimenopause. GLP-1 Considerations: While GLP-1 medications can aid weight loss, they often suppress appetite so significantly that meeting necessary protein requirements for muscle preservation becomes a major challenge. VALUABLE…
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