To perimenopause and menopause, losing weight becomes more difficult because of hormonal changes. A specialist reveals the error made by 9 out of 10 women.
After 45 years, the female body is entering a hormonal transition phase called perimenopause, which precedes menopause. During this period, the gradual decline and then the fall in estrogens slows metabolism and promotes the storage of fats, particularly at the abdominal level. Faced with these changes, the reflex often remains the same: drastically reduce calories and multiply intensive sport sessions. However, these methods that previously functioned seem to lose their effectiveness, giving way to discouragement.
Doctor Sachetti, specialist in menopause, identifies a major error made by 90 % of women over 45. This expert warns against a practice that seems logical when you want to lose weight. According to her, this approach becomes counterproductive during perimenopause and menopause because it increases chronic stress, which precisely prevents weight loss. The error? Exhaust the sport intensively. “”Stop martyring yourself with exhausting training, it is really useless“, she says. Many women believe that you have to do more sport and more intensely to compensate for hormonal changes, but it is exactly the opposite that must be done. Physical activity remains essential, but it must be adapted to this new phase of life.”When you are very tired, you have to reduce the intensity. Bet on soft and varied activities “advises Doctor Sachetti. It recommends muscle strengthening, the use of light dumbbells and even cardio, provided that it remains moderate.
Bérengère Philippon, in his work I prepare my menopause and live it well(Larousse edition) Recommend to integrate at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity, as varied as possible. She notably suggests the free sessions of the YouTube Direct Gym channel to train at home. Other strategies make it possible to optimize metabolism during this hormonal transition. Increasing protein intake helps preserve muscle mass and stimulates calorie expenditure. Stress management and sleep quality are also crucial: chronic stress and lack of sleep raise cortisol levels, hormone that promotes abdominal weight gain.
The key to success during perimenopause and menopause lies in benevolence towards his body. Listening to your needs and adopting a soft approach is more effective than restrictive methods to find a flat stomach and maintain a shape of shape.