We hear it all the time: “Weight loss is simple – just eat less and move more.” And in its most basic form, that’s true. If you take in fewer calories than your body uses, it’ll start to burn stored fat. But here’s the problem – for women in midlife, the maths doesn’t always add up. The formula may be the same, but your body isn’t.
Hormonal changes during perimenopause – which can begin in your 30s, more than a decade before your final period – start to reshape how your body handles weight.
Understanding Hormonal Shifts
According to the British Menopause Society, around half of women gain weight in the lead-up to menopause, with an average increase of 10kg. A big reason for this is declining oestrogen. When oestrogen levels are higher, they help to suppress hunger signals. But as egg numbers fall and oestrogen drops, these hunger signals become more intense, meaning you may be hungrier and require more to feel satisfied.
And it’s not just what the scales say. Body composition at this time of life shifts too. Even small weight changes can feel noticeable as hormonal changes cause fat to be redistributed to the abdomen, and natural ageing means muscle mass quietly decreases. You may start to feel flabbier rather than toned as visceral fat – the kind that surrounds your organs – increases from 5–8% to 10–15% of body weight.
Health Implications
The impact of hormonal changes in midlife can affect what you see in the mirror, and how you feel in your own skin. But this isn’t just about appearances. That extra weight, particularly around the waist, can also impact your health, with midlife weight gain linked to increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
At this point, midlife metabolism becomes more than a confidence issue. And with anxiety also rising during perimenopause, the cycle can feel impossible to break.
That’s why “just eat less” doesn’t cut it. It’s not that simple – and it’s not your fault.
Taking Action
Even if you do everything right, the fact is that hormonal changes and the impact of natural ageing can keep pulling in the other direction. But you don’t have to put up with it. You can take charge of your health and gain more confidence in your body.
GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro can help, particularly for women whose hunger signals no longer feel balanced. These medications work by mimicking the hormones that help you feel full, easing the constant tug of hunger and making it easier to make healthy choices, with the right clinical support.
If you’ve tried everything and still feel like you’re swimming upstream, you’re not alone – and you’re not out of options. Let’s talk about what’s next.
