Well, what about the roll of fat around the middle?? Anybody any answers to this one? I have managed to keep my weight down but although I weigh the same as I did 10 years ago, the fat has all settled on my belly. I cant seem to get rid of it. My belly is bigger than my bum. I have a lower back problem so cant exercise that area very easily. Anybody got any ideas of a simple exercise that wont hurt the back or does this belly miraculously melt away when all the other symptoms go?
Could always liposuction the fat out of the belly and put it on the bum I suppose

Thanks

Christine

I have no idea but I am fed up with it. Every morning I dread putting on my jeans!! Plus being short is even worse!!!!!

GAH

Hi Christine.
I think the honest answer would be no-you won't and probably shouldn't try to get rid of it unless you are overweight.
I am the same as you-I weigh about the same as I have always done but since I had surgical menopause I have a small pot belly where my waist used to be. Apparently this is where post menopausal women manufacture their estrogen-from the fat cells on their tummies and it is supposed to be there (sigh).
It is a drag because of course we all want to have a nice flat tummy but if you look at any post menopausal woman-even if she is otherwise slim, her waist will have thickened.

I find swimming a great form of exercise because I, too have a lower back problem, and swimming actually helps as well as keeping me fit. My shape isn't bad at all but I just cant shift that curvy tummy

janet c

There is no such thing as spot reducing. THe only way to reduce belly fat, if it is indeed fat, is thru diet and exercise combined. I recently lost over 40 pounds and currently weigh 115. I still have a pooch...but my stomach is not nearly as big as it was before my weight loss. I also have some loose skin in that area since I lost the weight, which is not very attractive, but at least no one can see that when I am wearing clothes!
I am short also, only 5'2", so I can sympathize! All extra weight seems to settle right in that area!

According to Dr. Oz, if your waist measurement is greater than 32 inches, women are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Just another reason to get it under control thru healthy eating and overall exercise.

I live in jeans too and dread putting them on. I get the low rise ones so my belly can hang over, which makes it worse unless I have the jeans so loose they are falling down.

Janet, I wouldnt mind a small pot belly, but mine is huge! I have friends who are post menopausal and they can pinch about an inch or two, mine is like a big roll of fat around there. I have had several gyn operations and it seemed to get worse with each, so that might have something to do with it. Oh well, head for the maternity wear I suppose

Christine

I am 5'2 or 3 I dunno but I would be one happy camper if I could weigh 115 lbs again!!!!!!
I don't see it happening though.

May I ask what kind of program you followed to lose 40lbs?

I did not follow a certain "program". Those are, in my opinion, designed for failure. As soon as you go off that plan, chances are the weight returns. I just counted calories, and ate healthy foods for the most part. A very key component is exercise. I workout 5-6 days a week, both cardio and some strength training, which has done wonders for boosting my metabolism.

The main point is it has to be a lifestyle adaptation. Once you lose the weight, you can't just go back to all the bad habits that got you overweight in the first place. A recent study has shown that 90% of people who lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off exercise at least 60 minutes a day. I just make it part of my daily schedule...as a priority. Yes, there are days I feel crappy and don't want to do it, but chances are I feel better afterwards. And, yes, I skip days. Our bodies need time to rest and recuperate.

Plus, a big motivation for me to keep the weight off is making sure I can fit into all the new clothes I got to buy!

yes, diluvlabs has it right.. the only time i managed to get that belly under control was through diet changes and regular exercise. walking is one of the very best cardio exercises one can do, costs nothing, apart from good shoes, and can be done any time, anywhere.. i had my best results when i added weight training to that, but if you are new to exercise, walking is the best way to start. pls see a doctor, or chiropractor, if you have back issues to check on what form of exercise would be best for you.

Agree with above posters that "belly fat" needs to go and exercise and eating well only answer. You can lose weight during and after menopause but clearly healthy eating throughout you life makes this time easier. While not having totally toned and perfect middle area is acceptable just plain fat is not....may be hard to accept but true. I have been dealing with some post meno bleeding issues and in my visit with a specialist on this area I learned an interesting fact which many people know but it was new to me. Seems like estrogen is stored in the fat and estrogen fuels many cancers...the more overweight you are (including belly fat) the higher the risk for cancer as well as other problems. As there are many things in our life we cannot control it seems like this might be a good area to take charge....not trying to lecture but my personal feeling is anything I can do to reduce my risk for cancer is well worth the effort.

I so agree with this philosophy, Kathy. If there is something we can do, something we can control, that will make us healthier, and lessen our risks of cancer and other diseases, it only makes sense to try our hardest!
I am so glad that I lost my extra weight...I only wish that I had kicked myself in gear years ago and done it, instead of waiting until I was almost 50 to drop the extra pounds. I kept making excuses...my age, hormones, etc... Ultimately, it took me believing in myself, that I could do it, that made such a difference. ONce the pounds started dropping, it motivated me to keep going. I thought to myself...I am doing this! No more excuses! And, I feel so much better!!!!!!!!!!

Are you my long-lost twin??

I have a weird belly question.

I get a lot of bladder and sinus infections.

I do ALL you can do - from neti-pots with salt and colloidal silver ( we swear by the smal particle stuff - seems like medical duct tape!) for sinues,
to PB8 ( favorite Probiotic keeps gut working to break down stuff and helps prevent "leaky gut sydrome" where your gut is so
clogged the good stuff doesn't make it thru and you just feel tired and gain weight.
So cranberry and lots of water for bladder and all that.
We eat organic, excercize.

But every now and then I get stuck having to take antibiotics - usually Augementin.
(Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid) My belly goes buddah and my weight climbs and I crave sugars and carbs.
Anyone else noticed this?

Thanks from the Buddah.

Mary Beth

thanks for telling me