There are many phases in a woman's life, menarche, menstruations, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause. Each phase comes with its own challenges, and changes the way of looking at life. However, narrowing to one, today we are focusing on weight gain after menopause. Gaining weight is a common concern for many women are approaching menopause. This period brings hormonal changes, shifts in activity levels and effects of aging. All of these contribute to weight gain. However, not everyone experiences weight gain during menopause, and individual experiences may vary greatly.

Menopause and Its Life Phases

Before diving into the specifics of weight gain, it’s helpful to understand the terminology associated with menopause:

• Premenopause refers to the period between puberty and the commencement of perimenopause.
• Perimenopause is the transitory period before menopause, characterized by fluctuating reproductive hormones.
• Menopause is defined as the absence of menstrual cycles for 12 consecutive months.
• Postmenopause is the period following menopause; typically used interchangeably with "menopause."

Hormonal Changes and Weight Gain

Hormones influence weight fluctuations after menopause, specifically how fat is distributed and how the body controls hunger.

Fat Content and Distribution

The hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause and menopause influence where fat is stored in the body:

Perimenopause: During this phase, estrogen levels fluctuate while progesterone levels decline steadily. In early perimenopause, higher estrogen levels can promote fat storage in the hips and thighs as subcutaneous fat, which generally carries fewer health risks.

Menopause: As estrogen levels drop significantly, fat storage shifts to the abdominal area as visceral fat.

This type of fat surrounds internal organs and is associated with health risks like:

• Insulin resistance
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Other metabolic issues

Appetite Regulation

Lower estrogen levels during perimenopause can have an impact on appetite management. A 2019 analysis found that decreased estrogen may diminish satiety signals, making you feel less full after meals. This might lead to increased calorie consumption and weight gain.

The Effect of Age on Weight

Weight gain during menopause is attributed to more than just hormonal changes. Several elements come into play throughout the aging process:

Increased fat content and decreased muscle mass: These changes affect the body's resting energy expenditure (REE), which means fewer calories are expended when at rest.

Lower activity levels: Fatigue, sleep difficulties, and menopause-related symptoms can all lead to a decrease in physical activity, further reducing REE and increasing weight.

Managing Weight Gain During Menopause

If you are concerned about weight gain during menopause, a variety of strategies can help you manage it effectively. It is usually recommended that you speak with a healthcare practitioner before developing a specific approach.

Dietary modifications

Focus on a well-balanced diet that includes less carbohydrates, more fiber, and less added sugar and salt.

Include nutrient-dense meals to boost overall health.

Physical exercise

Regular exercise helps to maintain muscle mass and reduce body fat. Strength training, aerobic, and flexibility exercises are quite beneficial.

If you have osteoporosis, see your doctor about safe activity options.

Rest and Stress Management

Prioritize sleep and relaxation to combat fatigue and stress, both of which can contribute to weight gain.

Mindfulness practices or yoga may help reduce stress levels.

Sir Elton John continues to surprise his fans as he shares how he made jewelry out of his old knee. His eccentric style and rockstar allure took over the music industry; however, recently the 78-year-old shared how he transformed his old kneecap into a fashion statement.

In a short documentary about what he did with his body parts after undergoing a double knee replacement in 2024, he revealed that when he had his kneecaps first removed, he asked is he could keep the kneecaps, which startled his surgeon.

The right kneecap was turned into a gold-framed necklace. Elton pointed out a natural hole in the bone, joking that his surgeon called his knees the "worst" he had ever seen.

Why Did Elton John Get Knee Replacement Surgery?

While the exact reason for the Rocket Man singer’s knee replacement surgery is not known, according to the Mayo Clinic a knee replacement surgery is done to replace parts of injured or worn-out knee joints.

During a knee replacement surgery, the damaged bone and cartilage are replaced with parts of metal and plastic. To check whether you need a knee replacement surgery, the doctor first determines whether you need a replacement or not. They also understand your knee’s range of motion, stability and strength.

When Is Knee Replacement Surgery Needed?

While knee replacement surgery may not be necessary all the time, how does one recognize the need for it? Experts explain that deciding on surgery can be difficult, but here are some signs you should look out for:

Severe Physical Changes

The most common indicator is "bone-on-bone" pain, caused by worn-down cartilage. While genetics and weight play roles, surgery becomes necessary when pain stops you from enjoying life, like playing with grandkids or cycling.

Exhausted Other Options

Before choosing surgery, try physical therapy or joint injections. If these fail, a replacement is the logical next step.

Commitment to Recovery

Modern implants can last over 20 years, but you must commit to months of physical therapy. Prioritizing your current quality of life is more important than worrying about future wear.

Other Body Part Elton Had To Remove Or Replace

This knee surgery is just one of many health challenges the 78-year-old star has faced. Elton has joked that he is a bit like a "bionic man" because so many of his original parts are gone. Over the years, he has had his tonsils, appendix, and prostate removed as well as undergone a hip replacement.

Beyond surgeries, Elton has managed Type 2 diabetes for over twenty years, which means he has to be very careful about blood sugar levels and insulin production. He has also survived a terrifying health scare following a prostate cancer diagnosis, where a rare infection left him "24 hours from death."

Despite all these health battles and retiring from touring in 2023, Elton says he is happier than ever. He is proud to have ended his performing career on a "high note" with his final shows and feels lucky to still be here, celebrating his life through music and his one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Your habits have a much bigger impact on your brain health than you realize. Doctors and health experts warn that habits as simple as sleeping late can increase the risk of dementia and Parkinson's.

In a recent post made by Neurologist Dr Priyanka Sehrawat on Instagram, the AIIMS doctor listed 3 key behaviors that can increase one’s risk of dementia.

3 Habits That Increase Risk Of Parkinson’s And Dementia

In the post Dr Sehrawat, she explained that these three things suggest people not do if they wish to reduce their risk of dementia, Parkinson's or any other neurological conditions.

Sacrifice Sleep

Think of sleep as a "repair shop" for your head. When you sleep, your body fixes damaged brain cells and clears out toxins. If you don't get enough rest, your brain cells can wear out faster, which makes it harder to remember things and increases the risk of brain diseases as you get older. To keep your mind sharp, you should try to get between seven to eight hours of sleep every night.

The best time to be asleep is between 10PM and 5AM, even if you can't hit that exact window, try your best to be in bed by 11.30 PM at the latest. Giving your brain this dedicated time to rest is one of the best ways to stop it from degenerating over time.

Never Skip Breakfast

Starting your day without eating is a bad idea for your brain and your immune system. Many children today are suffering from painful migraines and frequent headaches simply because they are going to school on an empty stomach. When you skip breakfast, your body doesn't have the fuel it needs to function properly, which puts a lot of stress on your nervous system.

Eating a morning meal also helps protect you from getting sick. It keeps your immune system strong so that when you or your children go out into the world, you are better prepared to fight off infections. Make sure everyone in the family eats something nutritious before leaving the house, the expert advices.

Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle

Being "sedentary" means sitting down for most of the day without much movement. While it is good to hit 10,000 steps by doing chores or walking around the office, that isn't enough to truly protect your brain. Your body needs more than just casual movement to stay healthy and prevent neurological illnesses.

To see benefits, you need to set aside time for a "brisk walk." This means walking fast enough to get your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes straight. Whether you do it in the morning or the evening, this dedicated exercise is what helps keep your brain and body in top shape as you age.

How Many People Suffer With Neurological Conditions?

In 2021, according to the World Health Organization, 3 billion people worldwide were living with neurological conditions. This means that about 1 in 3 people were affected, making this one the leading cause of illness and disability worldwide. One of the top ten conditions that affected people was dementia.

As global organizations like WHO work towards closing the treatment gap, healthcare professionals are working towards spreading awareness among the masses.

Jiang Yueqin, a 101-year old Chinese grandmother is changing the way people look at longevity online. While most people think her long life is due to a strict diet and routine, Yueqin credits her long life to her mindset, reports South China Morning Post.

Yueqin, who lives in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, has developed a unique schedule over the last two years. While most people are turning into early risers, she sticks to being a ‘night owl’. She stays up until 2AM every single night, spending her time watching her favorite television programs.

Yueqin usually falls into a deep, high-quality sleep within minutes of her lying down on her hard the pillow. Once she is up and ready for the day, her first task is to enjoy a strong, refreshing cup of green tea.

How Can Your Mindset Affect Longevity?

When asked how her mother reached 101 while ignoring traditional health rules, Yueqin says it isn't just about the tea or the sleep, it’s about her mental outlook. The longevity expert lives with an extraordinary sense of clarity and peace. She chooses not to hold onto anger and never carries a grudge, regardless of what happens in her life.

Yueqin’s philosophy is simple: she addresses the problems she can solve and does not worry over the ones she cannot.

And researchers at the University of Florida agree.

They explain that when the body is in a state of stress for weeks or months, it keeps pumping out a hormone called cortisol. While cortisol helps you handle quick emergencies, excessive amounts of it in your system for too long acts like a toxin. This chemical imbalance can lead to several serious health problems that directly impact how long you live.

Online followers have praised her family’s support, noting that a stress-free environment and a positive attitude are likely the true "superfoods" behind her long and happy life.

What Else Does Yueqin Do?

One of the most surprising things about the expert is her physical health. Remarkably, at 101 years old, she still has all of her natural teeth and has never needed a single dental procedure or dentures.

Her eating habits are just as lively as her schedule. She eats brunch in the morning and dinner around 6:00 PM, but she often gets hungry again around 9:00 PM. When those late-night cravings hit, she reaches for local crispy pastries or modern snacks like potato chips, rice cakes, and dried sweet potatoes, treats which are usually preferred by much younger people.

Yueqin lifestyle is a clear sign mindset is as important as is eating well and exercising to live a long life