You may use this image in your ezine or website if you choose to publish my article. Click here to see the picture full-sized.--- Kamau Austin

Are you finding that your favorite jeans are feeling a bit
tight? Notice a bit more spread around your mid-section?  
Welcome to middle age.  If you are between the ages of 35-55
you're probably going through the stage right before menopause
known as peri-menopause.


This transitional stage is characterized by a decrease in the
hormones that allow a woman to have a baby.  As we move out of
the reproductive phase of life we tend to gain weight.  The
weight gain of middle age is different from the way we may have
gained weight before.

As  younger women, we probably gained weight in the hips, butt,
and thighs.  The weight gain of middle age situates itself in
the tummy area.  And doctor's have found that weight that is
located the mid-section puts us at a greater risk for other
diseases that tend to arrive with middle age. 


Many women decide to do something about the gradual weight gain
associated with middle age because of how they look, But there
is an increased risk of both type-2 diabetes and heart disease
for people who carry their excess weight in their midsection.  
There is general agreement among health care professionals that
health risks increase as weight goes up.

Causes of weight gain in Middle age can include:

- Reduction in physical activity:  Middle aged women tend to
exercise less than younger women.  This may be due to the
multiple demands on their time. During this time of life women
may find themselves responsible for both children, spouses and 
in many cases their aging parents.  Sandwiched between competing
responsibilities, a lot of middle aged women find that they have
little time to really take good care of themselves.  Sometimes
an exercise program is among the first things that we give up
when pressed for time. 

- Overeating:  Stress from the many demands of modern life
cause a lot of women to seek solace in food.  Without even
noticing we can start to see food as a reward during times when
we don't have the time to seek rewards in more productive ways. 
Busy schedules cause us to skip meals and then we allow
ourselves to get famished and eat the first thing that is
available; often, over-processed, fattening fast food.  

- Slower metabolism:  As we age the number of calories needed
to support our weight decreases.  We can actually gain weight
while virtually eating the same number of calories as we've
always eaten.  And the less active we are the fewer calories it
takes to sustain our weight.  Because muscle burns more calories
than fat, people who are less active have less muscle mass and
therefore need fewer calories to maintain their weight.  

On the average women who are pre-menopausal gain an average of
1.5 lbs per year in the years leading up to menopause even
without increasing their caloric intake.  

How to lose weight.  There are a few simple steps you can do
that will, over time, cause a dramatic reduction in your weight.
Of course before undertaking a major change in your diet or
exercise level you should talk it over with your health care
provider.
  
- Increase your physical activity:  Exercising regularly will
help you to keep your weight under control. Exercise does so
much for us health wise, in addition to making us feel good. 
Two types of exercise are needed to help control weight. 

- Aerobic exercise increases your metabolic rate which means
that your body will process the food you take in more
efficiently.  You can actually eat the same amount of food and
lose weight.  Aerobic exercise helps you burn fat as well, so
your body will have more toned appearance.  


- Strength training increases your muscle mass, and also raises
your metabolism and strengthens your bones.  Since our bones
tend to weaken as we age strength training has brings added
benefits to middle aged women in the form of protection against
osteoporosis.

- Eat healthy: You may find that changing to a diet lower in
fats and bad carbohydrates will help you lose weight.  Good lean
protein and fresh vegetables provide a solid base for a healthy
body.   

- The right supplements.  If You experience the above symptoms
look into supplements like Zalestra™. Its maker claims it is a
specifically formulated supplement for pre-menopausal women
struggling with weight gain and changing hormones.  Zalestra™
also purports to relieve menopausal symptoms, increases energy
and enhances your mood. For more information on Zalestra™ go to
http://www.bodestore.com/zalestra.html 

Kamau Austin and Stephanie McIntyre are health and fitness
enthusiasts and advocates. They write on a regular basis on
timeless health and fitness tips at the Fit After Forty Blog.
See more useful health and fitness news and tips at...
http://www.healthandfitnessvitality.com/blogs/fitnessblog.htm

This Article must be published with a disclaimer as such...
This article is for general information purposes only. Before
under taking any exercise or treatment program always first
check first with your doctor and health professionals.