The accumulation of —fat stored deep within the abdomen around vital organs—is more than a cosmetic issue. It is linked to increased risks for: The reality of menopause weight gain - Mayo Clinic
: The "stress hormone" cortisol often remains elevated during menopause due to life stressors or poor sleep. High cortisol levels specifically signal the body to store fat in the midsection. menopause and weight gain
: Lower estrogen can make the body less effective at using starches and blood sugar, leading to increased fat storage and a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes . Health Risks of "Menopause Belly" The accumulation of —fat stored deep within the
The primary driver of menopausal weight gain is not just one factor but a combination of several biological shifts: : Lower estrogen can make the body less
: As women age, they naturally lose lean muscle mass (sarcopenia). Since muscle burns more calories than fat even at rest, this loss slows the overall metabolic rate.