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.

The NHS has shared important guidance on its website for anyone prescribed lansoprazole, especially those taking it for three months or longer. The health service’s site provides trusted, evidence-based advice on many medications and health conditions, helping patients make informed decisions about their treatment.

What Is Lansoprazole And How Is It Used?

Lansoprazole is a commonly prescribed medicine in the UK, belonging to a group called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs make up a large portion of prescriptions dispensed in England. Lansoprazole works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach and is used to treat and prevent various acid-related conditions, as per NHS.

There are four other PPIs similar to lansoprazole: omeprazole, esomeprazole, pantoprazole, and rabeprazole. These medicines lower stomach acid in the same way and generally have similar effects and side effects. Doctors may prescribe a different PPI if lansoprazole is not working as expected or if side effects occur.

People taking lansoprazole often notice improvements in two to three days, though it may take up to four weeks for full effect, so some symptoms can continue during this period.

How Long Should Lansoprazole Be Taken?

The duration of lansoprazole treatment depends on the condition being treated. It is usually advised to take the lowest effective dose for the shortest period to prevent long-term side effects. Some people take lansoprazole for extended periods, sometimes even years, but it should always be under regular supervision by a doctor because of potential risks.

Lansoprazole: What Is The NHS Warning About?

The NHS notes that taking lansoprazole for more than three months can reduce magnesium levels in the blood. Low magnesium may cause fatigue, confusion, dizziness, muscle twitches, shakiness, and irregular heartbeats. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult their doctor.

Magnesium is vital for over 300 functions in the body, including nerve and muscle activity (including the heart), bone health, energy production, blood sugar regulation, and blood pressure control. Low magnesium can lead to muscle cramps, tiredness, irregular heart rhythms, and long-term problems like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and weakened bones. It also affects cellular functions and the body’s electrolyte balance.

Using lansoprazole for more than a year may raise the risk of side effects such as bone fractures, gut infections, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Symptoms of B12 deficiency include extreme fatigue, a sore or red tongue, mouth ulcers, and pins-and-needles sensations. Anyone noticing these signs or taking lansoprazole for extended periods should schedule regular check-ups.

The NHS advises: “If you take lansoprazole for more than a year, your doctor will monitor your health to determine whether you should continue treatment. It is unclear if lansoprazole becomes less effective over time. If you feel it is no longer helping, speak to your doctor.”

Lansoprazole: Medication Interactions to Know

Patients should inform their doctor of all other medications, vitamins, or supplements they are taking. Lansoprazole can interact with drugs like warfarin, digoxin, and certain HIV medications. Antacids such as Gaviscon should not be taken within two hours of lansoprazole. Herbal remedies like St John’s wort should also be avoided while on this medication.

Seek urgent medical attention or call emergency services if you experience severe symptoms, including allergic reactions (swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing), worsening stomach pain, severe or persistent diarrhoea, or signs of low magnesium, such as muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat, or confusion.

Does Long-Term Lansoprazole Use Increase Stomach Cancer Risk?

The NHS notes that there is some evidence suggesting a very small increased risk of stomach cancer for people taking acid-reducing medicines, including PPIs like lansoprazole and H2 blockers, especially for more than three years. However, larger studies are needed to confirm a direct link.

PPIs, like any medicine, can have side effects, so it is recommended to use them for the shortest effective period. Anyone noticing potential signs of stomach cancer—difficulty swallowing, vomiting, feeling full quickly, or unexplained weight loss—should speak to their doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions about medications, side effects, or health conditions. Do not stop or adjust your prescribed treatment without medical guidance.

This year, Nick Jonas has completed 20 years with type 1 diabetes. This is also the same year when his band, the Jonas Brothers have also hit the mark of 20th anniversary. Speaking to Healthline, Jonas said, "It is crazy hpw it lined up. It has been a wild journey in both... in the Brothers sense, it's been the ride of a lifetime, and we have been so fortunate to be able to do this for 20 years now and to have the support of the world's greatest fans."

He also revealed that he had great and some tough times too living with diabetes. There had been struggles of managing his low, however, he revealed that being the spokesperson of Dexcom, a healthcare company known for its glucose monitoring system, and through his own non-profit initiative Beyond Type 1, he has been joyful. “Overall, I’m really grateful to have been able to be transparent about [type 1] and to connect with all these wonderful people from all regions of the world who are experiencing their own diabetes journey, and it’s a really big thing to feel like you’re a little less alone in it,” said Jonas.

On World Diabetes Day, which was on November 14, Jonas took to the stage during a Jonas Brothers concert and shared the audience his A1C. This is a test that measures one's average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. This number shows how well diabetes has been managed. He shared an inspiring message of hope, while giving a shoutout to his A1C. The concert was attended by Dexcom Warrior community, which makes more than 30,000 people who have been diagnosed with diabetes and may share the same experiences. “It was really special for me to get to use the Jonas Brothers’ platform as a place to speak about something that’s obviously very personal to me and on World Diabetes Day, I think it’s natural to get reflective and to tap into kind of what life looks like for me as a now 33-year-old person living with this disease,” he said.

He also dedicated the song 'A Little Bit Longer', that he had written very early on in his career during his diabetes journey. “It’s a really important time for me to get to speak on stage like that and play a song that I wrote about these experiences when I was 14 and to see the impact it still has to this day with the fan base,” he said.

Living With Type 1 Diabetes

Here are some strategies Jonas uses that helped him manage his diabetes. First off the list is to take the pressure off. “You’re never going to have the perfect day living with this disease and even if you’re super on top of your diabetes management, there are just things that are a little out of your control and being able to take a deep breath, reset, and know that it’s going to be OK on the other side is really important,” he said.

It may seem hard, but he said learning it in the beginning of his diagnosis helped him manage his diabetes. Then comes the care. He has focused on taking vitamins, caring for his skin, and most importantly, staying hydrated. “It’s a simple thing, but the more water I drink, my glucose levels are better. I don’t know exactly why, but I just find that hydrating has a lot of health benefits,” said Jonas. “I didn’t put as much focus on it earlier in my life as I do now, and it’s been really beneficial.”

Physical activity is a must. He walks for 30 minutes daily, or sometimes longer for his physical, mental, and emotional health. “It really centers me and even when it’s cold out, getting out in the fresh air is really important when a lot of my day too, is spent indoors for hours at venue or on a film set or something,” he said.

His focus on self, he says is the most important as he says he relies on his therapist from time to time. "I think it is really important to do that self-work". Lastly, he says everyone who has been diagnosed with diabetes, must take part in the community. “There will be good days, there will be tough days, but you can climb this mountain, and there’s some incredible people out there whose stories will really inspire anybody that’s going through tough moments,” said Jonas.

People prescribed venlafaxine are being urged to stay alert to certain symptoms and side effects that may require medical advice from NHS 111 or their GP. Venlafaxine is a widely used SNRI antidepressant. It is mainly prescribed for depression, but doctors may also recommend it for anxiety disorders and panic attacks.

What Is Venlafaxine?

Venlafaxine, sold under brand names such as Effexor and Effexor XR, is a prescription antidepressant classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It helps regulate mood by raising levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, chemicals that play a key role in emotional balance and mental stability.

Doctors Warn People Taking Venlafaxine

The medicine is usually taken as a tablet or capsule. It works by increasing levels of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain, chemicals that help regulate mood. According to NHS guidance, venlafaxine tends to cause fewer side effects than older antidepressants. That said, it is not completely free of risks.

Most people begin to notice some improvement within one to two weeks, although it can take four to six weeks for the drug to have its full effect.

Venlafaxine Side Effects

Common side effects listed by the NHS include sweating, nausea, a dry mouth, and headaches. These are generally mild and often ease as the body adjusts to the medication.

However, there are other, more serious side effects that may need prompt medical advice. While these reactions are uncommon and affect fewer than one in 100 people, the NHS advises contacting 111 or a GP if they occur.

Venlafaxine Serious Side Effects

NHS advice says you should speak to your GP if you notice unexpected weight gain or weight loss, or sudden changes to your menstrual cycle. This may include spotting, bleeding between periods, or unusually heavy periods.

Patients are also advised to contact their doctor or NHS 111 without delay if they experience any of the following symptoms while taking venlafaxine:

• Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes
• Bleeding gums
• Bruising that appears without explanation or continues to spread
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Muscle pain or weakness with no clear cause
• Breathlessness, or a heartbeat that feels fast, uneven, or irregular
• Intense feelings of elation, extreme excitement, or restlessness that makes it hard to stay still
• Changes in vision, including blurred eyesight or enlarged pupils
• Coughing up blood
• Blood in urine
• Persistent headaches along with confusion, weakness, or repeated muscle cramps
• Black or red stools, or blood in vomit, which may point to internal bleeding