Research Corner - Q&A Menopause and Weight Loss by Carla Sottovia | Date Released : 07 Apr 2003 0 comments Print Close Question I currently train several women who are going through menopause or have already gone through menopause, and they are struggling with their weight. I was hoping you could shed some light on what happens physiologically during menopause and how that relates to women trying to lose weight during or after. Does it become more difficult to lose weight during or after menopause? Answer Menopause has been defined as the complete cessation of ovarian function. Prior to the onset of menopause, pre menopausal women can undergo many symptoms including hot flashes, mood swings, irregular periods, weight gain, especially in the abdominal region among many others. Also, there are several health issues associated with menopause including loss of bone mass (osteoporosis) and cardiovascular disease ( due specially to weight gain). Exercise can certainly alleviate some of these symptoms as well as to slow down and/or prevent some of the health issues mentioned above. Exercise can improve body composition which in turn may guard against CAD. Weight loss may seem more difficult at the onset of menopause (but not impossible) since each female may react differently to the many symptoms and side effects. Depression is a big part of it and many may overeat or indulge in empathy calories that in the long run will add a few extra pounds. Also, many may gain weight at the onset of hormone therapy. Nonetheless, the same guidelines apply for exercise prescription as stated by ACSM. Please, refer to the following resources: American Menopause Foundation: menopause@earthlink.net North America menopause Society: www.menopause.org National Women's Health Resource: www.healthwomen.org IDEA Article: IDEA Source ( February 2001), p.52: Working out through menopause: Karen Bram Back to top About the author: Carla Sottovia With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Carla Sottovia has helped individuals achieve a path of personal wellness, improved fitness, and overall quality of life – “My goal is to instill the importance of Fitness/Wellness in client’s lives much like brushing one’s teeth, eating, and sleeping. It is also to educate clients that an individual does not need to be an athlete in order to achieve their inner strength or personal best, and ultimately they can improve their quality of life through an active life-style”. Dr. Sottovia is a native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She received a B.S. in Physical Education from the State University of Brockport, NY (1985); followed by an M.A. in Exercise Physiology from San Jose State University, CA (1990), and her Doctorate in Exercise Physiology from Texas Woman’s University, TX (2002). She holds several Advance personal training certifications in the areas of Functional Movement training & Assessments, Pilates Training, Optimal Flexibility, Vibration Training, Post-injury/Preventive exercise intervention; youth training; sports specific coaching (Running, Swimming & Triathlon). She is also a licensed Wellness Coach and Adjunct instructor (The Cooper Institute) in addition to be the official instructor/representative of the FMS System in Brazil. Dr. Sottovia is an avid triathlete/runner having completed more than 50 triathlons including 3 Ironman Distance Triathlons (Hawaii, Germany, Brazil). She holds a PR of 3hrs. 26 min (Boston Marathon). She is also a published author – Energy Substrate:Truths and Misconceptions, 06” Full Author Details Related content Content from Carla Sottovia Menopause and Weight Loss Carla Sottovia | Articles Diet for Menopause and Hormonal Problems Scott Pullen | Articles Menopause and Weight Loss Carla Sottovia | Articles Caffeine and Muscle Development Carla Sottovia | Articles Fueling the Body Carla Sottovia | Articles Celiac Disease Carla Sottovia | Articles Menopause and Weight Loss Carla Sottovia | Articles Caffeine and Weight Loss Carla Sottovia | Articles Post Exercise Eating Carla Sottovia | Articles Caffeine and Exercise Carla Sottovia | Articles Coral Calcium Carla Sottovia | Articles Carb Intake With Weight Loss Carla Sottovia | Articles Body Fat Loss Formula Carla Sottovia | Articles Fat Metabolism at Rest and During Exercise Carla Sottovia | Articles Food Intake and Exercise Carla Sottovia | Articles Protein Metabolism and Physical Activity Carla Sottovia | Articles The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Physical Fitness in Children Carla Sottovia | Articles Please login to leave a comment Comments (0) Back to top