According to the Mayo Clinic, after reaching 40-59 years, women can gain 1.5 pounds per year, from then on. It’s also noted that ⅔ of women within this age group are categorized as overweight. There are several potential symptoms that can arise from perimenopausal weight gain that women are warned to watch out for:

• Increase in blood pressure: blood pressure levels may increase as a result in hormonal changes and sudden shifts in BMI and weight
• Insulin resistance: blood sugar levels rise due to declines in estrogen and progesterone levels
• More frequent and intense hot flashes
• Joint pains: as a result of sudden weight gain
• Higher susceptibility to Urinary Tract Infections: vaginal tissue becomes weaker, leading to higher possibility for infection

However, despite these warnings and potential risks, this weight gain can be easier to combat than you may think. It has been asserted that the perimenopause period may be the perfect time to start fighting against menopausal weight gain. It is said that perimenopause may be the best time to implement a diet and exercise routine to reverse the effects. The perimenopause period is women begin to see significant slowing in their metabolisms. Because this period is so critical for bodily changes, it is important to take advantage of this state, before our bodies rapidly continue to age and slow down.

-Written by Kaila An MPH