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THEFITMAP.com has taken time to put together a question and answer session
relating to women, weight control and the menopause.
: Why do women gain weight through the menopause?
: The weight gain experienced is not down
to the menopause per se. The weight gain is a result of a reduction in the
metabolic rate due to less activity - and not hormonal changes experienced
with the menopause.
: Why do women gain weight with age?
: The metabolic rate is dependent upon the
measure of calories burnt within activity. Usually with age comes a decrease
in exercise. This coupled with a natural loss of muscle means a slow down
in your body's ability to burn excess calories. Ergo excess calories are
stored as fat.
: Can I prevent this weight gain?
: YES! But the onus is firmly on you to
look at your current activity levels and diet. As well as eating a balanced
diet, preventing weight gain means you must develop an active lifestyle,
incorporating a varied exercise programme including:
Weight control is a two edged sword. Dieting or watching what we eat sometimes
isn't enough. We all know exercising is something we should do. But what
exercising type should we perform:
Exercising aerobically at least twice a week e.g. sustained exercise which
results in an increase of heart rate, rapid breathing - but still being
able to talk if need be, and which lasts for 20 - 45 minutes.
Resistance exercise at least twice a week (no more than three times a week).
Resistance exercise is the only way to improve muscle mass / bone density.
This reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis and also increases the
body's metabolic rate.
Additional information
Am I at risk of osteoporosis?
Exercise and osteoporosis
Exercise for an older population
Diet trials - Weight watchers, Atkins diet, Slim
fast
Why diets don't work
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